FERNANDO MASELLI – Artist Reference
The photographic work of Fernando Maselli explores different aspects of the formalism, deepening the aesthetic and concept as core values. Born in Buenos Aires in 1978, Fernando Maselli studied Fine Arts and later moved to Madrid. His work has been exhibited in many museums and festivals like University of Navarra Museum.
Through his art projects he explores different aspects of formalism, deepening on the concept and aesthetics as essential values. In his latest work there is a specific interest in the relationship between man and unspoiled nature and the role it plays in the conception of ideas such as religiosity or knowledge. The main focus of his work revolves around the concept of the Sublime, the restrained fear facing the beauty of steep landscapes and the majesty linked to divinity.
There are many key features to the work of Maselli with such elements like the vastness, the darkness and the hugeness but especially an attribute that Burke called artificial infinite: an element that is repeated many times in a constant and uninterrupted configuration generates in the viewer a sense of infinity. To get this effect, Maselli spends several days in the mountains, taking pictures and later, in his studio, he rebuilds those parts into a new landscape through photo montage. 
“I face my job as a solo journey into vastness with constant references to classical painting, literature, philosophy and aesthetics. My ultimate intention is to put the viewer in front of a sublime and moving show that makes him wonder about consciousness, the universe, beliefs and our own origin.”
Analysis
The generic conventions within Maselli’s work is the untouched sublime environment . The photographer clearly has a positive view on the earth and is going on specific expeditions to portray the greatness of the world. However it could be interpreted that he has a negative view on the environment because the locations he goes to would not usually be seen by people without purpose and these locations are rare. Therefore he is trying to show society the difference between what they are seeing in everyday life compared to what is out there. This will give the viewer a realization of how they are treating the environment in their areas. I believe the photographers influence is the rapid urbanization around the world and he has responded to this by showing the beautiful nature that we are destroying with this urbanization.
I am influenced by the use of isolation involved within this image and the calmness/tranquil atmosphere. This could be an indication that without humans present, we could have this stunning imagery surrounding us everywhere. The tonal range is aesthetically pleasing to help us focus in on different aspects to the photo. The composition is well composed as the tall mountains on either side create a leading line through the middle of the photo to direct us to the lighter tones at the back of the photo. The bottom parts of the photo appear to be dark and rather mysterious which may be a reference to hell being down there and a dark place where as the higher parts of the photo are bright which in contrast could link to heaven being up there and being a positive place. The textures within the photo as a whole are interesting with a contrast of rough textures within the rocks and the soft calm textures within the mist.