"Ukiyo 浮世 – The floating world"

pigmentbased inkjet print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag

The focus of Alessa Grande's work is the “unfolding and revelation of the authentic self” and “the symbiosis of opposites”. Her greatest interest is the human being, whose inner world she wants to explore and share with the outer world. Her works are intuitive, emotional, direct and blunt.
She uses nudity as a central and recurring element in her works. The nudity in Grande's works embodies a multi-layered symbolism that is closely linked to her artistic vision. For the artist, the naked body is a symbol of freedom and authenticity. In a world where people are often forced to conform to the expectations of others and play different roles, the naked body in her art stands for the shedding of masks and facades. It represents the pure, unadulterated nature of the human being, which unfolds beyond social norms and conventions.
By depicting naked bodies that radiate both strength and fragility, both sensuality and strength, Grande also explores the fluid boundaries between genders and identities. Grande sees nudity as a direct expression of a liberated soul. In her photographs, the naked body becomes a canvas on which a person's inner emotions, thoughts and dreams become visible. This depiction allows the viewer to connect with the inner world of the sitter and promotes a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Her images invite viewers to question their own ideas of nudity, shame and beauty and to engage in an honest examination of the human body. Through this approach, Grande creates a platform for discussions about the role of nudity in art and society.
The nudity in Alessa Grande's work is much more than an artistic element. It is a key to exploring the deepest layers of human existence. Through the conscious and sensitive depiction of naked bodies, Grande creates spaces in which the authentic self becomes visible. Her art invites us to discover and celebrate the beauty and complexity of human existence in all its facets.
(Leica Gallery, Salzburg translated by DeepL.com)