Arctic
Captured during an off-grid expedition deep into the Arctic Circle, this collection offers an intimate portrait of a world in constant transformation. From the deck of a small craft and the quiet drift of a Zodiac, Nikki documented the slow carving of glaciers—moments of history unfolding as ice fractures and reshapes the earth’s surface. Vast, untouched landscapes stretch from towering icebergs to sweeping mountain ranges, while elusive wildlife roams in the stillness of this frozen wilderness. Each image is a testament to the Arctic’s raw power and fragile beauty, a glimpse into a world few have witnessed.
Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change – it can not only move us, it makes us move. — Ossie Davis
Nikki Baxendale, drawn to these dynamic landscapes, embarked on a profound journey in September 2023 to the high Arctic. Venturing into the remote corners around Svalbard ‘81 degrees north of the earths equatorial plane. Witnessing firsthand the ongoing changes in this fragile ecosystem, her lens in hand capturing over 13,000 images. From the dwindling ice to the majesty of the endangered polar bears the stories were bountiful.
This experience inspired her latest series, ‘INTO THE ICE. A portrait of Arctic Beauty’ Nikki’s photographs blend the Arctic’s stark realities with a vibrant artistic vision. By bringing awareness in beauty rather than shame, she hopes that igniting a common interest through art, sharing glimpses of places many will never have the privilege to witness first hand that these will stir emotion and keep these important conversations going.
"As I conclude this Arctic odyssey, it's with a sense of privilege, for I've had the rare chance to witness something that may vanish in the coming years.
‘Into the Ice’
serves as an invitation to deepen our connection with the Arctic, fostering an understanding of our world's intricate ecosystem and the pressing need to safeguard this breathtaking landscape for future generations’.
— nikki Baxendale