Held Captive aka Python (2022) Photography by Martin Vallis

Photography, 10x8 in
$288.22
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Seller Martin Vallis

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This artwork appears in 3 collections
In one of my many therapy sessions over the years, I was asked to conjure up an image of my mother, what came to mind was a Python! Perhaps not that surprising because my mother was overprotective and smothering of me and of course, what a Python does is to constrict, smother and suffocate its victims. Which in many respects is exactly[...]
In one of my many therapy sessions over the years, I was asked to conjure up an image of my mother, what came to mind was a Python!

Perhaps not that surprising because my mother was overprotective and smothering of me and of course, what a Python does is to constrict, smother and suffocate its victims. Which in many respects is exactly what my mother did to me, not intentionally, I might add? And is perhaps why I often feel trapped.

I think it can also be viewed as protection, by keeping one captive, it helps to keep one safe from harm, both physically and mentally.





This is a limited edition of 15.

Printing can vary between paper finish and paper size, though the image size will generally speaking be no more than 10x8 inches or what I consider to be aesthetically correct for the paper size.

I'm also currently experimenting with miniature art printed on brushed aluminium and the size will be no more than 5x4 inches. I am happy with the results so far and if you'd like an image on brushed aluminium then please get in touch for a price.

Related themes

Held CaptivePythonPadlockLockedTrauma

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Martin Vallis  is a professionnal photographer. His style evolved, resulting in tightly- cropped, close-up work, mostly utilising Tungsten lighting, to enhance texture and detail. Two decades[...]

Martin Vallis  is a professionnal photographer. His style evolved, resulting in tightly- cropped, close-up work, mostly utilising Tungsten lighting, to enhance texture and detail. Two decades later Martin departed from commercial photography, concentrating on his own vision.

Throughout his career, Martin’s style has changed, yet there remains the ever-constant preference for simplicity of solitary objects, reflecting texture and shape: less is more. Society may spend time looking for the ‘Big Picture’ whilst missing the ‘Beauty of Simplicity’. He feels it portrays a deeply felt sense of isolation, solitude and emptiness. The artist is eager to conclude he now understands those feelings are more to do with his condition over reality.

Martin Vallis has studied Visual Communication at Medway College of Art and Design from 1976-79, moving to London in 1980. After working as a Photographic Assistant to Commercial Photographer Gary Bryan for 3 years, he set up his own studio in Chelsea in 1983, that specialised in high-quality still life photography, in the areas of Advertising, Design and Editorial. Martin also shot stills on TV and Cinema commercials, primarily with directors Howard Guard and Ridley Scott (Alien/Blade Runner/Gladiator). Some of Martin’s clients included, British Airways, BMW, Volkswagen and Selfridges.

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