University Projects
Synthetic Organics
Even at Night It’s Never Dark
The Phoenix of Melancholy
hyperREALITY
Synthetic Organics
Even at Night It’s Never Dark
The Phoenix of Melancholy
hyperREALITY
The Phoenix of Melancholy
The Phoenix of Melancholy is a photographic project exploring a human representation of the story of the phoenix. Originally formatted as a book, the narrative is told in two parts; beginning as a story of mental struggle, substance abuse, loneliness and overwhelment, before ending as a triumphant recovery and revival of the subject. Dark, cold images filled with grain and motion blur fill this initial story, painting a narrative through photography anchored by handwritten text. The settings are primarily urban and constructed, and this artificial landscape tends to amplify emotions like those mentioned previously. Handwritten text is a theme throughout, highlighting inner dialogues and personal feelings, as though in a diary. Towards the middle, philosophical literature is referenced. The text ponders life, death and whatever lies between the two binaries. This struggle suddenly bursts into flames and explodes into the joy of the afterlife. The visual language changes entirely, transforming into bright, warm colours and natural subjects. Handwritten text again explores inner dialogue, but completely juxtaposes the themes of the first section of the narrative. Themes of religion are explored, and its influence on the perception of one’s position in life. Hazy, glowing imagery reflects the calmness and dreaminess of this feeling. Natural subjects ground the narrative and juxtapose the previously urban settings, highlighting the return to a natural and organic state. These are contrasted with large scale images of a human subject being surrounded and overwhelmed by glowing golden light, imagery associated with religious rebirth. Closing the story is a statement from Jacob McMillan, writer and philosopher, who wrote this text after helping to work on the project. There were few direct visual inspirations for the work - most images had simply been initially sketched out in brainstorming sessions. The main inspirations came from literature and music, and the direct references are mentioned at the end of the story.