Internationally acclaimed photographic artist Elina Brotherus' first solo exhibition in Rep. of Ireland, "The New Painting", opens at Temple Bar Gallery and Studios on 7 June. The title intentionally references the historic tradition of painting and photography's development as a tenant of it. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, photography emerged as a "new form of painting", resulting in a move away from realism and creating an impulse for innovative styles. Brotherus' practice is significantly influenced by the legacy of painting and takes as its starting point the idea that photography may share the same formal concerns for composition, form and colour. In certain of Brotherus' photographs there are clear evocations of Claude Lorrain's picturesque landscapes, Caspar David Friedrich's sublime mountain vistas while her staged photographic portraits of bathers subvert the classic motif of the nude female form.

Elina Brotherus' earlier photographic works were autobiographical explorations of human fragility, in which she appeared as the main protagonist. "The New Painting" series, 2000-2004, marks a departure from these deeply personal portrayals towards addressing universal themes, though she often remains present as the model. Brotherus positions human figures within the landscape, investigating their place in the natural world. Although initially seemingly disparate, the photographs are connected by the same low horizons, domestic interiors, acute studies of light and shadow and subtle renderings of mist and steam. Idealised visions of beauty characterise Brotherus' landscapes, imparting a view of the world as an Arcadian wonderland.

Perhaps the most striking feature of Brotherus' work is the terrific light that radiates through it. Electric skies and a metallic shimmer transfix the viewer's gaze. In part, Brotherus' sensitivity to light reflects a special concern of Nordic artists, akin to A K Dolven's gentle depictions of twilight in her video work. Brotherus' careful studies of light are reminiscent of the Impressionist painters, most notably Monet's capturing of the changing effects of light and shade over the course of a day. Applying an assiduous note-taking process, Brotherus contemplates her environment, making detailed observations of colours present,
and brings this awareness to the darkroom.

Born in 1972 in Helsinki, Elina Brotherus lives and works between France and Finland. She received the Prix Niepce in 2005 and Carnegie Art Award's Young Artist's Stipendium in 2003. She was shortlisted for the Citibank Photography Prize in 2002. In 2001 she received the Prix Mosaïque of Centre National de l'Audiovisuel of Luxembourg, and in 2000 the Fotofinlandia Award.

"The New Painting" is a collaboration between the Finnish Museum of Photography, Helsinki, Millesgården, Stockholm, Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, Dublin and Musée Nicephore Niepce, Chalon-sur-Saône. The artist wishes to thank the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Embassy of Finland, Ireland for their support. The exhibition is accompanied by a book "Elina Brotherus : The New Painting", published by Next Level UK, 2005