Pukaki Apparition: Whisper of the Alps (Exhibition Piece)

Pukaki Apparition: Whisper of the Alps is a stunning framed photographic print by Jaime Dormer, capturing the magical atmosphere and vibrant colours of Lake Pukaki on New Zealand’s South Island. Part of Dormer’s exclusive exhibition collection, this piece offers a glimpse into the ethereal beauty of one of the region’s most renowned glacial lakes, known for its distinct milky blue waters and majestic alpine surroundings.

Lake Pukaki, the largest of three roughly parallel alpine lakes running along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin, is located near the towering peaks of Mt Cook. The lake’s striking blue colour is a result of finely ground glacial rock particles suspended in the water.

Dormer reflects on his experience witnessing this natural wonder: 

“This glacial lake is quite famous for its milky blue colour, and I promise you, nothing can prepare you for the beauty of its sparkling waters when you come around the bend on a sunny day to witness its mesmerizing blue colour for the very first time.”

On this particular day, Dormer captured a storm brewing over the lake’s vibrant waters. Dark clouds were being drawn down from the distant Alps, creating swirling half-mist, half-dust formations that seemed almost mythical.

Dormer describes the moment as watching 

“the wind dancing across the wavy ripples in swirling half mist, half dust apparitions of Maori myth and legend. The beautiful ethereal light of this magical landscape streaked down to light their path across the lake, and then gone again like they never existed at all.”

This fleeting apparition and the lake’s shifting hues are beautifully captured in Dormer’s composition.

About Jaime Dormer:

Jaime Dormer’s photographic work is known for its ability to capture moments of atmosphere and fleeting beauty in landscapes around the world. His images often explore themes of natural wonder and evoke a deep sense of place, drawing viewers into the enchanting environments he documents. Pukaki Apparition: Whisper of the Alps embodies Dormer’s dedication to capturing the extraordinary essence of some of the world’s most captivating locations.

Framing Details:

Pukaki Apparition: Whisper of the Alps is elegantly presented in a double raw veneer frame in dark grey, chosen to complement the deep and shifting tones of the lake and the surrounding landscape. The frame’s craftsmanship and choice of materials reflect Dormer’s commitment to a refined and timeless presentation, ensuring the artwork maintains its impact and elegance.

A Distinctive Addition:

This framed print is an ideal choice for art collectors, corporate spaces, museums, or interior designers seeking an exclusive and evocative statement piece. Pukaki Apparition: Whisper of the Alps captures more than just a landscape—it offers a window into a moment of ethereal beauty on Lake Pukaki, inviting viewers to experience the interplay of light, water, and legend in one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine regions.

Framing the Image

Frame Details:
The photograph is presented in an elegant, contemporary frame designed to elevate and preserve the artwork. It is encased in a prestige white Majorca moulding, complemented by clarity UV70 glass to ensure protection against light exposure. The use of double acid-free white matting, accented by a Dawsons hand-made dark oaka linen and a silver fillet, provides a refined contrast that enhances the photograph’s vivid colors and depth.

The image is printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308gsm, a museum-quality 100% cotton paper that brings out the photograph's rich tones and details. To protect and maintain the integrity of the print, three coatings of Hahnemühle protective surface spray have been meticulously applied in a crosshatch pattern.

Dimensions:

• Image Size: 20"x30" (50x76cm)
• Frame Size: 35"x45" (89x114cm)

This framed print embodies Dormer’s commitment to quality, with every detail carefully considered to offer an exceptional fine art experience. It is not just a photograph; it is a journey into a landscape sculpted by time, light, and natural forces.

Clarity Glass

Our frames use Dawson’s Clarity UV70 glass, which features:

• Virtually reflection-free appearance.
• Filters up to 70% of UV rays to protect your print.
• Crystal-clear color transmission to enhance brightness and contrast.
• Durable, easy-to-clean surface for lasting quality.

Framing

Our frames are custom-made by master framer Scott Dawson of Dawson's Framing Pty Ltd, renowned for his craftsmanship and expertise in Australia and beyond. Scott specializes in large custom frames and unique framing embellishments, ensuring every framed piece meets the highest standards of quality and artistry.

Included Documentation

Each print—framed or unframed—comes with:

• Proof of Purchase Invoice & Receipt
• Image Story Label: A self-adhesive label with the image story and details, either affixed to the frame's rear or included separately.
• Signed and Embossed Frame Certificate to accompany your purchase.

Packaging and Shipping

Unframed Prints: Rolled with museum-grade buffering paper and placed in a 100mm mailing tube to prevent damage.

Framed Prints: Carefully bubble-wrapped and placed in a custom-made cardboard package, designed specifically for JDP Gallery frames.

We ship using Australia Post, and you will receive a tracking number via email to track your parcel directly online.

Shipping Information

We want your shopping experience to be as seamless as possible. Below, you’ll find all the details about our shipping process:

Processing Time

• Order Processing: All orders are processed within 2-3 business days. You will receive a notification once your order has shipped.
• Dispatch Time: Orders are usually dispatched within 2 business days after payment. Our warehouse operates Monday to Friday during standard business hours, excluding national and public holidays.
  
  We ship using Australia Post, and you will receive a tracking number via email to track your parcel directly online.

Shipping Options & Transit Time

Domestic Shipments: Typically in transit for 2 - 7 days.

• International Shipments: Generally in transit for 4 - 22 days, depending on the courier. More specific estimates are provided at checkout based on the courier you select.

Shipping Costs

• Calculation at Checkout: Shipping costs are based on the weight, dimensions, and destination of your items. Shipping payment will be collected during checkout, and this price is the final shipping cost.

Tracking Your Order

• All orders include a tracking number. You’ll receive an email with tracking details once your item has shipped, so you can follow your package every step of the way.

Secure Packaging

• We use eco-friendly, secure packaging to ensure that your items arrive in perfect condition, reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability.

Returns & Issues

• If you experience any issues with your delivery or need to initiate a return, please contact us within 14 days of receiving your order. We're here to assist you.

Questions?

• For any questions about shipping, feel free to reach out to us at admin@jdpgallery.com.au.