Austrian photographer Andreas Franke is pushing the boundaries of photography and performance art with his unique underwater exhibitions. His latest project, an exhibit on the sunken USNS General Vandenberg, located off the coast of Florida, is a prime example of his innovative approach to showcasing his work.

The exhibit, which was only accessible to divers willing to venture 27 meters deep into the ocean, featured twelve photographs that were hung from the shipwreck. The photographs were a combination of underwater shots of the ship and studio photographs of models in 1940s and 1950s costumes. The resulting effect was a mesmerizing, ghostly apparition that left visitors in awe.

Over 10,000 divers visited the exhibition, which was on display for four months on the ocean floor before being moved to land for the first time. Franke notes that the sea life had created new images, stating, “It's very cool, they almost look like Polaroids.”

Franke has also produced another underwater exhibition, this time on the sunken SS Stavronikita, off the coast of Barbados. The new images depict Renaissance aristocracy in an underwater setting, adding a new layer of complexity and intrigue to the exhibition.

Franke's work is not only a visual treat, but also a commentary on the relationship between humanity and the ocean. The sunken ships serve as a reminder of the destructive nature of war, while the vintage costumes and aristocratic figures highlight the fleeting nature of human endeavors and the power of the ocean to reclaim and reshape what man has created.

The exhibitions of Andreas Franke are a must-see for any art lover and a unique opportunity to explore the depths of the ocean and the human psyche. As Franke continues to push the limits of photography and performance art, we can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

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Photographize granted permission to feature photos by Andreas Franke

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