Samuel Zeller’s painterly photographs of a Swiss botanical garden

Date
5 November 2015

Samuel Zeller’s series Botanical captures the serenity and quietness found in some of the world’s greenest, man-made corners. In a photographic interpretation of classical botanical illustrations from the 18th to 20th Century, Samuel explores the refracted reality caught in the greenhouse’s translucent glass. “It reminded me of the paper used in watercolour paintings,” Samuel explains. “The colours are subtle and sophisticated, and they mirror the tones found in this kind of illustrations.”

Blurry outlines of pink and green fauna appear softly pixelated and are framed by the simple, faded metal bars of the greenhouse. Taken at the botanical gardens in Geneva, Switzerland, Samuel feels the series is photographically preserving these glimpses of nature. The whole series feels beautifully romantic and the dreamy contrast of the smooth, blue sky with the bobbled, greenhouse glass only adds to the charm.

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Samuel Zeller: Botanical

Above

Samuel Zeller: Botanical

Above
Left

Samuel Zeller: Botanical

Above
Left

Samuel Zeller: Botanical

Above

Samuel Zeller: Botanical

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About the Author

Rebecca Fulleylove

Rebecca Fulleylove is a freelance writer and editor specialising in art, design and culture. She is also senior writer at Creative Review, having previously worked at Elephant, Google Arts & Culture, and It’s Nice That.

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