The black and white photograph, Anastasia Formations No. 1, by Kelly O’Leary, is a powerful and evocative image of a rock formation that has since been swept away by a hurricane. The stark contrast between the white sand and the dark rocks creates a sense of drama and tension, while the delicate shadows and highlights add depth and texture. The image is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the power of nature and the fragility of human constructs.
Use of light and shadow is particularly effective in creating a sense of movement and energy. The sunlight highlights the swirling patterns of the sand, while the shadows of the rocks lend a sense of weight and solidity. The overall effect is one of a powerful force of nature that has been unleashed, leaving behind a landscape that is both beautiful and scarred.
This image is a reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of it’s own constructs. It is also a beautiful and haunting testament to the power of art to capture the essence of a moment.
"This is first image captured in my ongoing series, Anastasia Formations. This body of work commenced at the beginning of 2022 after exploring these fascinating coquina rock outcroppings which are a unique geological formation specific to the Northeastern Florida Atlantic coastline. I’ve found myself enamored by these impressive ancient forms set amongst otherwise wide-open sand beaches. The coquina has been shaped by the elements into the most extraordinary sculptural works, each possessing features as distinct as fingerprints. Dependent upon the weather and the tides, their visibility upon the beach can change quite drastically with some portions seeming to altogether disappear. I’ve come to know these structures well and have spent countless hours capturing their stately beauty and the silence that surrounds them. After the redundant hurricanes that pummeled the coast last Fall, I am more driven to compile this series and document the drastic changes that have occurred in the landscape as the very scene I captured in this image no longer exists." ~Kelly O'Leary
