Surreal Lichens Neighbourhood
Inna etuvgi

Description

Inna Etuvgi is a Swedish-Chukchi art photographer whose work explores the delicate balance between nature, humanity, and technology. Growing up in the remote Arctic, where survival depends on sensitivity to nature's smallest signs, Etuvgi developed a deep respect for the fragile ecosystems she now captures in her art.

Living with Aphantasia—an inability to visualize mental images—Etuvgi turns to nature to reflect her inner landscapes, using her camera and digital art to externalize emotions and sensations. Through her macro photography, she magnifies the intricate details of nature's smallest elements, drawing viewers to see their beauty, quiet resilience, and essential role in sustaining ecosystems. Her work highlights our bond with nature and challenges the human-centered worldview, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life and encouraging a more mindful, compassionate relationship with the natural world.

Beginning her artistic journey in 2020, Etuvgi was internationally recognized as a finalist for the Arte Laguna Prize in 2022 and received a grant from the Swedish Arts Grants Committee in 2023. As art critic Tabish Khan notes, “Her work transports us to other worlds— both real and imaginary, but always in harmony with nature.”