Blossfeldt's Apprentice by Elaine Duigenan, developed in 2016, is a photographic series that recreates botanical forms using twist ties. Inspired by early 20th-century German photographer Karl Blossfeldt, the project interrogates the relationship between natural perfection and human imperfection through a contemporary lens.
Duigenan's work is situated within the historical legacy of Blossfeldt, who photographed magnified plant forms to teach students that design inspiration could be found in nature. This revisiting of Blossfeldt's Art Forms in Nature grew out of a collaboration with the Wellcome Collection in London, sparked by Duigenan's encounter with the twist-tie sculptures of Japanese outsider artist Shota Katsube.
Blossfeldt's Apprentice explores the creative tension between emulation and originality. The project addresses the futility and humility of trying to imitate nature's forms using manufactured, mundane materials. Rather than concealing the flaws in her replicas, Duigenan highlights them: joins, loose threads, and asymmetries are left visible. In doing so, the work suggests that imperfection is not a failure but an integral part of the creative process. Another recurring theme is the importance of careful observation—encouraging viewers to "pay attention" to detail and surface, echoing Blossfeldt's own pedagogical goals.
Visually, the series features black-and-white images of hand-made forms, isolated against dark backgrounds. The lighting is carefully controlled, rendering the pale twist-tie structures luminous against inky surroundings. The compositions are pared down and symmetrical, emphasizing the sculptural qualities of each object. Some resemble pumpkin tendrils or the compactness of thistle, emphasizing their organic appearance. The overall mood is one of quiet scrutiny, inviting prolonged viewing.
Technically speaking, Duigenan constructs the specimens herself, then scans them to become digital photograms. The twist ties, chosen for their ability to bend, twist, and connect to themselves, function as both sculptural and symbolic elements.
Exhibited widely, the series has been celebrated for bridging history and experimentation. Its accolades—from Px3 Gold to Pingyao’s International Award—affirm its resonance as both homage and critique, situating Duigenan firmly within contemporary photographic discourse.
