Transitioning – the Abrau Peninsula in Nanna Heitmann’s photography

Thus spoke Zarathustra. A philosophical journey through the Black Sea and the Mediterranean vegetation fueled by the four elements

Zarathustra described the four elements of earth, water, air and fire as essential for the survival of all living beings and as such they should be venerated and kept free from any contamination. The pictures shot here take the viewer to the Black Sea, into the Abrau Peninsula. It is the only place in Russia that harbors a Mediterranean vegetation. Within this region I played with the four elements: earth, water, air and fire. I examined the meaning of the elements as providers of energy, exploring their connection to the human body and with that the strength of energy in emotional context as a union between people. Fire can be destructive but out of its destruction, it can develop a new life.

Lampoon at the Abrau Peninsula

Fire also means light. The sun gives the earth light and warmth. Water is life. Water is an integral part of the green nature. The earth as well as our human organism consists seventy percent of water. In our culture, water is related to the unconscious and our emotions. Water is a mirror of ourselves and gives us access to our imagination and creativity.  Air is probably the most important medium for humans and all other living beings. Emotionally, the sky reflects the world of dreams and desires. As for Earth, our ancestors worshiped ‘Mother Earth’. They collected food that grew on the ground and people learned to build huts out of materials such as wood or clay and natural stone. The first fossil fuel that humans extracted was coal.

Nanna Heitmann

Born in 1994, is a German/ Russian documentary photographer, based between Russia and Germany. She has received awards and accolades that include the Vogue Italia Prize at the PH Museum women photographers grant, World Report Award, and was shortlisted by the Gomma Grant and LensCulture emerging talents.

Photography Nanna Heitmann

Editorial Team