MIEKE DOUGLAS | Midnight Garden

“Once upon a time, in an era long forgotten, a time when magic still danced through the air like dappled sunlight filtering through ancient trees, the flora and fauna sang to one another. They whispered secrets of the intricate tapestry of life, death, and the gentle rebirth that weaves through all creatures, a harmonious cycle that held the essence of existence.“

In the stillness of night, just after midnight, this enchanting world may emerge. As the gentle embrace of sleep descends upon us, our conscious thoughts fade away, surrendering to the depths of the unconscious mind where instinct roams wild and free.
This ethereal realm exists in a delicate space that blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination, like a fleeting moment captured between a photograph’s frames and a painting’s brushstrokes.
Inspired by the breathtaking light and rich, somber colors employed by the old Dutch Masters of the 17th century, my work aims to guide the viewer’s gaze through emotion-laden landscapes. By blending time-honored techniques with modern digital artistry, I strive to evoke a profound mood or feeling—an invitation to step into this world where magic and beauty intertwine.”

• Mieke Douglas, about the project Midnight Garden 2025

“If I am lucky, something grabs me, and I’m off. Minutes or hours can pass, and I am aware only of my subject. I may return again and again, research and ask questions, and a project reveals itself. Or it may not. But this is the joy of photography for me.”

Midnight Garden

“I have always been beguiled by light’s power to impact the mood and intimacy of an image, and in this project, I think it’s particularly poignant.”

The aesthetics of my work is influenced by the Old Dutch Master Painters of the 16th and 17th Century. I am endlessly fascinated by their paintings’ delicate interplay of light and shadow.  Light leads the viewer in, and shadow and half-light make some things understandable to the eye and lose others in mysterious darkness.
Being of Dutch heritage, I was lucky to see quite a few of their paintings in my youth, and they have shaped what I find visually pleasing. I feel a deep connection to the natural world, so it is often featured in my projects.
Every Spring, when the first tulips appear after a long grey winter in London, I excitedly shoot them for a few days or weeks. I have tried countless different ways of lighting them, but I always come back to a similar style: using the darkness to draw attention to the light. I just prefer the way it looks. I suppose what I have seen at an impressionable early age defines what I think is beautiful.
This work gave rise to a series exploring the use of flowers in mythology and religion to symbolize the eternal cycle of life and the fragility and swift passage of life on earth. Tulips bloom for only weeks or days before they fade away, return to the earth, and re-emerge in the Spring to start over again.”

MIEKE DOUGLAS

Mieke Douglas is an internationally acclaimed photographic artist who hails from the Netherlands and Canada and currently resides in the vibrant city of London. Her artistic vision is characterized by atmospheric lighting and enchanting, surreal perspectives that captivate the viewer’s imagination.

Drawing deep inspiration from the Old Dutch Master Painters of the 16th and 17th centuries, Mieke explores the intricate dance of light and shadow within her work. She is particularly fascinated by how light can guide the viewer’s eye while shadow and half-light conjure an air of mystery, allowing some elements to emerge clearly while others fade into an enigmatic obscurity.
Mieke’s artistic exploration delves into profound themes of intimacy and connection, inviting viewers to engage with her pieces personally. Her fine art photographs are often described as moody and almost painterly, imbued with an underlying sense of disquiet that leaves a lasting impression.

Mieke has garnered numerous prestigious international awards throughout her illustrious career, showcasing her exceptional talent. Among her accolades is the 2023 Sony World Photography Award, alongside accolades from the Prix de la Photographie Paris and the British Photography Awards, to name just a few. Her work has been celebrated in various forms, earning a place in private collections and gaining wide publication while also being featured in esteemed exhibitions worldwide, including at the Royal Academy of Art in London.

Mieke has held significant solo exhibitions, such as ‘STILL’ in London and ‘Lost Society | Looking In Through Glass’ at Sydney’s renowned Head On Photo Festival, showcasing her unique vision and artistic prowess. Her creations resonate with a haunting beauty, compelling viewers to lose themselves in each photograph’s delicate interplay of light, shadow, and emotional depth.

“From my humble point of view, through the years of my photography journey, I want to give a message to young fine art photographers embarking on their creative journeys. I hope this message will inspire and strengthen your commitment to the art form, guiding you as you carve out your professional path in this vibrant field.
First and foremost, embrace the reality that not everyone will appreciate your artistic vision. It’s crucial to be gentle with yourself during this process. Resist the urge to place immense pressure on your shoulders, striving solely to create pieces that could win awards or earn recognition. Instead, focus on what brings you joy in your photography. Allow your creativity to unfold at its own pace, and in doing so, you’ll discover a more profound sense of clarity and purpose.
Don’t shy away from stepping outside your comfort zone. Embrace the fear that often accompanies stepping into the unknown—this is precisely where the magic and transformative experiences happen.
Remember, dedication is key; hard work is essential, as no one else can do this for you. Put in the effort and commitment that your passion deserves. Finally, maintain a spirit of curiosity and a love for learning. Never lose that ‘beginner’s mind’—the openness and eagerness that allow you to grow and evolve as an artist.”

See the full article in Art Market Magazine Issue #100