Amnion (latin) is the inner membrane that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. It is part of the amnion sac, which also consists of the outer membrane, chorion, and both of them are connected to the placenta. The amnion sac prevents bacteria from entering the uterus, and it is filled with amnion fluid, which protects the fetus from injury and allows it to move freely inside the uterus.

Amnion is thin, strong and elastic – and the membrane grows and stretches as the fetus develops. The tissue of the membrane is transparent and avascular, meaning it does not contain its own blood vessels. But when the amnion sac is born - together with the placenta - it is stained with blood from the uterus and small clots are often attached to it.

The midwife examines the membranes thoroughly, to make sure they are complete and that nothing is retained inside the uterus. Afterwards, the membranes and placenta are often shown to the parents and then disposed of.

In my career as a midwife, I have examined the membranes countless times, but as a photographer - and from an artistic point of view - this organic material was new to me, and I was eager to try a different approach in my examination. I brought the membranes to a photo studio and started to explore with my hands: the flexible tissue was gently stretched, turned, twisted and bent – and with each little movement, a new shape and expression would appear in the membranes. I was captivated by the changing contours and the beautiful synergy between the two membranes - and that was the onset to my photographic work, AMNION.

I am continuously amazed by the strength and power of this thin, delicate membrane and its ability to carry and protect a life throughout an entire pregnancy. These photographs are a tribute to the wonders of nature - and they are also an invitation for the viewer to revisit our very first cave.

AMNION was produced in 2019.