Many photographic art projects often explore the interconnectedness between humanity, the world, nature, and the cosmos, employing imagery and metaphorical symbols as mediators. These works typically utilize a combination of techniques that push beyond the limits of ordinary photography, creating a surreal atmosphere. However, this form of surrealism differs from the kind found in Salvador Dalí’s celebrated painting The Persistence of Memory (1931), which seems to transport viewers into an entirely new world. Instead, they employ a range of techniques that transcend the conventional dimensions of photography. The resulting images remain closely tied to nature—forests, rivers, and uncanny scenes often surround the compositions. The works speak to the simplicity of humankind and the natural world, a simplicity that appears paradoxical within their surreal contexts yet merges harmoniously. Perhaps, in truth, this paradox reflects the very nature of the Earth and the cosmos themselves.

Many photographic projects often explore the connection between humans, the world, nature, and the universe through visual representations and metaphors. These works frequently employ mixed media techniques to push boundaries and create a surreal state from ordinary photographs. However, this visual style differs from the surrealism seen in the famous painting The Persistence of Memory (1931) by Salvador Dalí (1931-1989), which feels like stepping into a completely new world. Instead, these artists use various techniques to transcend traditional photo- graphy while keeping the images closely tied to nature—with forests and rivers surrounding strange events. The work reflects on the simplicity of humans and nature, which might seem contradictory to the surreal elements in the pieces, yet they blend together perfectly. Or perhaps, the nature of the world and the universe has always been this way?

Recently, photography projects featured on the CTypeMag platform have shared a similar conceptual structure. For example, Metamorphosis by Claudia Fuggetti (b. 1993) also addresses nature. However, it focuses on the re-adaptation between nature and humans, using colors to represent how nature is moving and reacting at the core of the earth.

The Interval of Unreason (2020) by Ioanna Sakellaraki (b. 1989) deals with spirituality and the exchange of energy between nature and the self. She traveled to the Greek island of Patmos, known as the "Island of the Apocalypse"—the place where the end of the world begins and the inspiration for St. John’s Book of Revelation. Sakellaraki explores the landscape and nature at night, translating them into beautiful photographs and poetic text. Similarly, the series Samsara by Singaporean artist Alvin Ng presents stories of humans, religious teachings, and nature. These elements overlap ambiguously in an era where humanity faces unexpected dangers like the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this newly presented work, Romanian visual artist Georgiana Feidi creates a photography project titled Chry-salis. Feidi uses computer techniques to manipulate photographs with great detail, refinement, and beauty. She speaks of a cycle where the world sleeps and heals within a cocoon of nature (reminiscent of a new cycle following destruction, similar to the movie Mother! or the reboot in The Matrix: Revolution).

The female body acts as a representation of the link between the earth and humans. The earth's repair and transformation are conveyed through the shimmering light reflecting on water and skin. The use of "Deep Blue" in the images represents the unfathomable power of creation and destruction in the universe. Feidi draws inspiration from hiking and exploring nature, creating a deep connection through seeing reflections on water, light refraction, and the soft sound of leaves. This leads to the transmission of abstract concepts regarding cycles, the fragility of life and death, and the endless loop of nature and humans supporting, and destroying, each other.

Immersing oneself, diving deep, and exploring internal phenomena through the process of creating surreal images with exciting techniques seems to be the core of these projects. They attempt to commu-nicate visual poetry from within to larger external platforms—whether that be the world, nature, or realms beyond them. These visual poems are sent into the endless darkness of the universe, traveling to distant edges and the spiritual space of someone sleeping in a cocoon. They awaken the young woman amidst the deep blue light bathing her body, like the birth of the world in a new cycle once again.

About the Artist
Georgiana Feidi is a visual artist based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, who uses both digital and analog tools, including post-processing and darkroom explorations. Her work is inspired by the mysteries of the universe, nature, and personal insights, creating visual narratives that transcend conventional boundaries of thought. Georgiana has showcased her work in solo exhibitions nationally and in group shows both nationally and internationally.
IG : georgiana_feidi