Louis Sauer
1 (2025)

Photography

29.7 x 42cm

For me, reality is a kaleidoscope of shifting perceptions: a dance of uncertainty, at times

marked by agitation and confusion, and at other times a sense of quietude/serenity. I’m

fascinated by the ordinary. My intent is to transform everyday objects and scenes into

something extra-ordinary - something that resonates on a visceral level.

Through visual language, I aim to convey the complexities and tensions of existence,

revealing its complex experience. Life challenges us to construct our own sense of

reality – to seek meaning and authenticity. My artistic challenge is to express my own

experience, to capture the sense of being.

To create a visual language that communicates the multifaceted aspects of the tensions

and complexities of life, to unveil the unstable and uncertain nature of existence.

Life presents us with the challenge of shaping our own personal reality, of finding

meaning and authenticity. My challenge is to capture and convey my own reality, to

encapsulate the essence of my existence. 

I see reality not as fixed, but as something we construct through experience, thought

and action. The prevailing states in my own life include unawareness, gleaning,

struggle, exasperation, becoming – a peace in simple being, At times, there is

nothingness.

Visually I translate these into forms, textures and colors that shift, merge or cohere –

sometimes becoming complex and layered; other times finding simplicity and a

quietude.

Interpretation remains open. Each viewer brings their own lens – their own emotions,

memories and context. What matters

“Do I have some notion

of leaving a signature, after all? …

Why is it we want so badly

to memorialize ourselves?

Even while we’re still alive? …

At the very least

we want a witness …

We wish to assert our existence.

We can’t stand the idea

of our own voices falling

silent finally …”

— Margaret Atwood, The Blind Assassin

Louis Sauer

Born 1928, Oak Park IL, USA | BArch, MArch | FAIA (USA), Hon. FRAIA (AU)

I am an architect, photographer and design theorist - American, Canadian and a

Permanent Australian Resident. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, my architectural and urban

design projects received over 80 design awards and were widely published. Alongside

my architectural practice, I began an academic career as a Professor of Architecture

that took me from the United States to Canada and later to Australia.

I moved to Australia in 2000, and since 2013 I live in Evandale, Tasmania where I have

returned to photography. The work in this book draws upon both my 70 years of design

experience and my early education at Chicago’s Institute of Design (formally The New

Bauhaus).

Please note: Artworks cannot be shipped. All purchases must be collected on Saturday 14 September, between 12–4pm. If you’re unable to collect during this time, please email us at sawtoothari@gmail.comto arrange an alternative.