The Eyes of Her

Titled The Eyes of Her, Narelle Autio’s 2024 series plunges the viewer into mesmerising underwater worlds where ethereal figures swim from the inky depths towards the surface via effervescent swells and sweeping undulations.

“[I’m interested in] how beautiful [the water and ocean] can be, but also the beauty and danger coming together in a transformative space,” says Autio in a recent ABC profile.

The ocean has been an enduring muse for Autio, whose dazzling return to underwater photography – a practice she has perfected over three decades – follows an acclaimed solo exhibition of never-before-seen images drawn from her archive, titled Into The Distance.

That show’s deep dive into her past work – combined with the expanded possibilities of a newly acquired, much larger digital camera – has now informed a sublime new suite of dreamlike images that subtly gesture to the mythical associations between women and water.

“Across the world, folk tales regale us with stories of mermaids, selkies and water sprites,” says Autio, reflecting on the thematic currents that emerged, quite unexpectedly, through the making of her new photographs. “Otherworldly creatures enticing us into the sea.”

Autio’s practice is animated by a mix of extraordinary technical rigour and the serendipitous possibilities of her immersive process. “The jetty is packed and full of humanity,” says the artist, whose images seem tinged with nostalgic affection for endless summer days by the sea.

“[Jetty jumpers] are just having fun, doing good things and just living – by circumstance and happenstance, you get something beautiful.”