In Between

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mar 3

What does it mean to be close to someone? In Between by Nora Obergeschwandner is a poignant exploration of intimacy, attachment and the invisible forces that shape our relationships. Through evocative analog portraits and raw personal narratives, this project unravels the delicate balance between longing and fear, inviting viewers to reflect on their own emotional landscapes and the spaces where connection truly unfolds.

Photography Nora Obergeschwandner

‘In Between’ is a captivating visual journey into the intricate dance of intimacy, distance, and attachment in human relationships. This project delves into the heart of what it means to connect deeply while navigating the vulnerabilities that true closeness demands. It poses thought-provoking questions: How well do we understand our own attachment styles? How much of ourselves are we willing to expose? What shadows from our past influence our present relationships?

Each analog portrait, captured in the intimate confines of their private spaces, reveals the subtle yet profound dynamics of closeness and distance.

The exploration begins with candid conversations about attachment issues shared by photographed couples. Each analog portrait, captured in the intimate confines of their private spaces, reveals the subtle yet profound dynamics of closeness and distance. By intertwining documentary and staged elements, the photographer creates a rich tapestry of emotions that invites viewers to contemplate their own experiences with love and connection.

Born out of personal reflection after a breakup with a partner grappling with attachment anxiety, the series sheds light on the inner conflicts that arise when fear intertwines with desire.

Born out of personal reflection after a breakup with a partner grappling with attachment anxiety, the series sheds light on the inner conflicts that arise when fear intertwines with desire. It also features tender moments from the photographer’s current relationship with a securely attached partner, showcasing the healing power of stable love. This juxtaposition highlights how secure relationships can dismantle the walls built from past traumas, fostering trust and resilience.

Closeness doesn’t always come from being near, and distance doesn’t always mean separation—sometimes, the most profound connections lie in the spaces in between.

‘In Between’ beckons viewers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to confront their attachment patterns and the complexities of their relationships. Through this artistic lens, the project illustrates how art can be a powerful catalyst for introspection and healing, reminding us that genuine closeness requires not just proximity but a courageous willingness to be vulnerable. In the end, it challenges us to recognise that closeness doesn’t always come from being near, and distance doesn’t always mean separation—sometimes, the most profound connections lie in the spaces in between.

About Nora

Nora Obergeschwandner (b 1981, Graz, Austria) is a Vienna-based photographer specialising in portrait photography and social documentary work. Her work explores the complex dynamics between individuals and society, as well as themes of intimacy, distance and attachment in relationships.

In her long-term projects, she seeks a close dialogical exchange with people to gain deeper insights and to explore a more comprehensive picture of society. This approach allows her to authentically and in a nuanced way represent the depth of human experiences and relationships.

Her work is currently featured in the BBA MPB Award: Perspectives in Diversity group exhibition in Berlin.

To see more of her work, visit her website or follow her on Instagram

Enjoyed this article?
Like ZERO.NINE on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram

What does it mean to be close to someone? In Between by Nora Obergeschwandner is a poignant exploration of intimacy, attachment and the invisible forces that shape our relationships. Through evocative analog portraits and raw personal narratives, this project unravels the delicate balance between longing and fear, inviting viewers to reflect on their own emotional landscapes and the spaces where connection truly unfolds.

River Where The Oak Trees Grow

Flowing through ancient woodlands and temperate rainforests, the River Dart is both a place of beauty and a fragile ecosystem under threat. Photographer Emma Stoner began documenting the river in 2022 as part of a commission. Since then, the project has evolved into a personal exploration of the Dart’s landscapes and communities, highlighting its natural beauty while raising awareness of the environmental challenges it faces.

Dear Father

Dear Father redefines the father-son dynamic through role reversal, exploring acceptance and identity. In this intimate project, Danilo Zocatelli paints his father’s face, shifting their long-established roles. By revisiting childhood spaces and challenging perceptions, the work becomes both a personal reconciliation and a powerful statement on transformation, memory, and understanding.

Je Est Une Autre

Through self-portraiture, photographer Foteini Zaglåra explores identity, memory, and transformation, blurring the line between reality and fiction. Combining performance, symbolism, and narrative storytelling, her work examines beauty standards, grief, and mythology. She offers a deeply introspective reflection on the self in an era shaped by digital personas and societal expectations.

Skate Like a Lass

Over two years, photographer Juliet Klottrup immersed herself in the evolving grassroots skateboarding communities of Northern England, documenting spaces that empower female, marginalised, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Through her lens, she captures how these collectives redefine skateboarding as a force for inclusivity, turning it into a platform for self-expression, freedom, and resilience while reshaping the sport’s cultural landscape.

The Land of Never After

Marco Vernaschi returns to ZERO.NINE with The Land of Never After, a striking exploration of Argentina’s cyclical struggles between past and present. Through Gaucho’s enduring spirit, Vernaschi challenges narratives of division and decline, offering a powerful meditation on identity, resistance, and the possibility of transformation in an era of ideological turmoil.

Kiss Of Death

In Kiss of Death, photographer Berber Theunissen offers an achingly intimate portrayal of her family’s battle with her partner’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Through evocative medium-format imagery, she captures the raw emotions of grief, fear, and resilience, revealing the fragility of life and the enduring strength of love amidst overwhelming uncertainty.

Antigua Walls

Photographer Kip Harris captures the vibrant interplay of architecture and colour in Antigua, Guatemala—a city shaped by its colonial heritage and strict preservation rules. These rules mandate a specific palette for building exteriors, ensuring harmony with the city's historic character. Through this lens, Harris explores how these limitations influence both the carefully composed elegance of upscale structures and the creative, ad hoc expressions often found in poorer neighbourhoods.

The Gift

‘The Gift’ explores the profound meanings hidden within a simple gesture—giving. Brought to life by Lith Li and Miss Patricia, the striking visuals embody themes of liberation, self-expression and societal expectations. It invites us to question: What truly matters in a gift? The photo series was beautifully captured by photographer Massimiliano Emme, adding depth to its powerful narrative.

Unseen City

Wayne Chin’s journey from isolation to creative expression highlights the transformative power of photography. Written by Paul Ryan, CEO of MYWORLD Creative Projects, this article explores the MYLONDON initiative, a remarkable project empowering individuals affected by homelessness to share their stories through the lens and reconnect with their communities.

The very powerful San Simón

In this insightful interview, Juan Brenner delves into his ongoing photographic exploration of San Simón, a complex figure embodying Guatemala's rich syncretic traditions. Brenner reflects on themes of identity, spirituality, and cultural resilience, sharing the challenges and revelations behind his deeply personal and visually arresting body of work.

Shadow Cast

Shadow Cast is the latest handmade, limited edition book by lens-based artist Pacifico Silano. For this series, Silano reworked vintage gay porn into evocative, melancholic typologies, transforming shadows into a visceral exploration of desire, marginality, and longing. Printed entirely on risograph, this XXL photobook is a tactile and experimental masterpiece, published by Loose Joints.

The Human Gaze

The Human Gaze challenges the entrenched patriarchal lens that objectifies the female form, redefining the act of looking as a reciprocal exchange between subjects. Through diverse photographic representations, this series by photographer Julia SH asserts the autonomy and humanity of naked bodies, dismantling the dominance of a gaze steeped in control to present the female form as whole, empowered, and self-defined.

Ground Clearance

With his series Ground Clearance, photographer Owen Harvey documents the evolution of the lowrider subculture, capturing its rich history, artistic expression, and global influence. His intimate portraits allow us a glimpse into the life of modern lowriders – a subculture that started back in the 1940s rooted in Mexican-American communities.

Belly of The Giant Serpent: Prophecy

Photographer Chen Chuanduan crafted this fictional documentary, blending elements of fiction and the supernatural. Through AI-generated images and paranormal stories, he conveys both personal and collective trauma. Chen combines text-to-image AI creations with real-world images and his own photography, seamlessly merging reality with imagination.

Capturing the unseen

At East London’s She Lost Control, Aura photography offers a glimpse beyond the visible. Based on Kirlian-inspired photographic techniques, these sessions capture your energy as a radiant Polaroid image—an exquisite reminder that we are more than our digital selves. ZERO.NINE founders Christian Trippe and JC Verona tried this unique experience.

Farm Life

After captivating audiences with Good Dog and The Animal Kingdom, celebrated studio photographer Randal Ford returns with a charming new volume — Farm Life. In his latest book, Ford takes us beyond the barn and into the very heart of America’s vibrant farm animals. This collection of studio portraits celebrates the spirit of these pastoral creatures and invites the viewer on a heartfelt journey of expression, play, and contemplation.

Dreamland: Side of Sea

‘Dreamland: Side of Sea’ is a captivating street photography series by Taras Bychko, showcasing the tranquil charm of English coastal towns in the quiet months before summer, from February to May 2023. Bychko's lens captures serene, almost dreamlike moments in various places like Brighton and Margate, inviting viewers to savour the peaceful solitude before the tourist rush. This reflective series beautifully contrasts everyday life with the timeless allure of the coast.

OF FIRE, FAR SHINING

Asheville-based artist J. A. Young combines their own personal photographs with public-domain archival imagery to explore their reaction to inward experiences. Inspired by a pivotal moment in 2020, the work reflects on existential questions and global crises. Through print manipulation and rephotography, the project creates a fluid, ever-evolving visual narrative that mirrors the artist's shifting perceptions and emotions.

New Moons

Photographer Ada Marino’s powerful series New Moons explores feminine resilience and rebirth against oppressive societal structures. Her work challenges patriarchal norms and advocates for a new, inclusive identity for women, addressing contemporary struggles with a vision of empowerment and transformation.

Souvenirs

Photographer Mike Spears created the zine Souvenirs, a series of irreverent photographic metaphors, romanticising desire, flesh, and comedy. His images reveal the unexpected beauty and humour woven into the fabric of life, inviting you to see the world through a lens that celebrates the quirky and profound.

400 km

Photographer Alberto Tandoi walked 400 km across London capturing fleeting moments with strangers, portraying the city as what would be his ideal city. Through hundreds of portraits, he reveals the beauty of self-expression and the unique stories of unconventional individuals.

Waste Based

Pavel Golovkin’s project "Waste" stands out as a commentary on society's relationship with refuse. Through his lens, Golovkin transforms trash from an overlooked byproduct of human activity into a nomadic entity with its own narrative, continually moving and evolving within urban landscapes.

The Moss-Men (Los Hombres de Musgo)

Our very own JC Verona, photographer and co-founder of ZERO.NINE travelled to his hometown Béjar in Spain to create a series about the unique tradition of local men covering their bodies in moss. Dating back to medieval times, the Moss-Men symbolise a profound connection with nature and highlight the importance of preserving local traditions. We spoke to him in an exclusive interview to find out more about the project that has been on his mind for years.

MACONDO

Marco Vernaschi’s mesmerising series MACONDO delves into the complexities of existence along the Magdalena River amidst an exceptionally challenging climatic backdrop, entwining the essence of Colombian magical realism with the resilience of its inhabitants.

Inversion

‘Inversion’ stands as a poignant artistic endeavour, born from the collaboration between photographer Danila Tkachenko and the non-profit organisation Gariwo. This initiative bears witness to the repercussions of Russian military aggression in Ukraine, encapsulated through a travelling photo exhibition. Through the lens of nine courageous military photojournalists, the project unveils the stark realities faced by Ukrainian communities amidst conflict.

And I lie another day

Delve into the introspective world of Karla Guerrero with ‘And I Lie Another Day’ – a photographic series that navigates the nuances of existence and womanhood. Through inherited memories and maternal influences, the artist embarks on a journey of self-discovery and identity.

Immigrant Owned

Meet Jonathan Castillo, a visionary photographer whose work transcends boundaries and celebrates the essence of the American dream. With a keen focus on immigrant entrepreneurship and the vibrant tapestry of local communities, his series illuminates the often overlooked pillars of the American economy.

Let's build a sandcastle

Sand mining, once a symbol of time and nature's intricate work, has transformed into a stark reminder of humanity's unchecked greed. Through the lens of Jakub Stanek's photography, the relentless exploitation of this natural resource confronts us with the harsh reality of irreversible consequences. It's time to reconsider our priorities and strike a balance between human needs and planetary protection.

Nothing to See Here

Ben Zank, a native of New York City, discovered his passion for photography at the age of 18 when he stumbled upon a Pentax ME Super in his grandmother's attic. Using his self-portraits as a means to express emotions where words fall short, Zank is poised to unveil his debut photo book, showcasing his distinct artistic vision.

Christian Trippe

In Between

Each analog portrait, captured in the intimate confines of their private spaces, reveals the subtle yet profound dynamics of closeness and distance.

Born out of personal reflection after a breakup with a partner grappling with attachment anxiety, the series sheds light on the inner conflicts that arise when fear intertwines with desire.

Closeness doesn’t always come from being near, and distance doesn’t always mean separation—sometimes, the most profound connections lie in the spaces in between.

READ NEXT

River Where The Oak Trees Grow