“A nude shows everything, while a turned back shows nothing.” 

—Rala Choi 

For Korean artist Rala Choi (b.1987), the image-making process begins with exploring his innermost thoughts and feelings. To create this striking image, Choi photographed the sensual contours of his nude lover from behind, her arms spontaneously outstretched against a rich, cobalt blue background. ‘I want my photography to embody contradictory emotions,’ he explains, ‘such as loneliness and warmth.’ Here, the artist asks of his subject: ‘How can I feel that you existed? As you move forward and away, I look at your back and record your presence.’ This monumental work, Her - 1, encapsulates Choi’s painterly aesthetic and skilful use of colours to achieve maximum expressiveness. By removing all external elements, he seeks to reveal the subject’s inner self. 

Based in Seoul, Choi has exhibited internationally and was awarded the Photography Grand Prix at the 37th International Festival of Fashion, Photography and Accessories, Hyères in 2022.