Forest is an exploration of the boundaries between the perception of nature and the human inner world, an attempt to convey the complexity of emotions and sensations that arise in moments of solitude.
These works were created at night, when light and darkness form a tenuous border between reality and nightmare.This project delves into the confrontation with loneliness, fear, beauty, and mystery that nature reveals to us. Each shot is an introspective gaze and a means of expressing the fleetingness of moments when the world appears both eerie and captivating.
The primary goal of this series was not only to capture a visual impression but also to evoke emotional depth. Each frame is saturated with texture and soft grain, which lend a sense of motion and dimension to the image. Reddish and dark hues serve as symbols of anxiety and the energy that pulsates within the forest. Light flares, barely discernible tree silhouettes, and blurred lines create tension that is simultaneously magnetic and unsettling. These are not mere depictions of nature but a visual language designed to communicate hidden experiences. The forest in this series acts not only as a physical space but also as a metaphor for the human psyche. Its density and impenetrability reflect the complexity of the human mind, where fears and hopes are perpetually intertwined. The forest becomes a place where one can lose oneself but also find oneself. Each photograph carries an element of self-reflection, inviting viewers to consider their inner conflicts and personal quests.
The images deliberately lack clear context, offering viewers the freedom to interpret them. They are inspired by existential philosophy, where questions about the meaning of life and human existence remain unanswered. The works of photographers like Daido Moriyama significantly influenced me, particularly their ability to convey complex emotional states through texture and abstraction. I also drew inspiration from literary works such as Dante’s Divine Comedy, where the forest symbolizes inner search, peril, and hope.
From a technical standpoint, I aimed to create a sense of presence in every frame. The use of soft noise, interplay of light and shadow, and dynamic compositions transform the forest into a space that feels both visually and emotionally alive. These photographs do not dictate a narrative but encourage viewers to ask questions: Where am I? What do these silhouettes mean? What preceded this captured moment? Will there be light? An essential aspect of this project is its use of color. Muted reddish tones evoke a pervasive sense of unease, hanging in the air like an unresolved question. I employ color not merely as a mood-setting tool but as a metaphor. Red hints at life’s pulse while simultaneously alluding to the tension that underpins this world. The forest takes on the qualities of a living being, breathing and observing us.
This project explores contrasts. The forest represents both calm and chaos, light and shadow, salvation and peril. Through these images, I wanted to demonstrate that the human inner world is similarly full of contradictions. It is important to me that viewers not only observe my photographs but feel them—establishing a connection with nature and their inner “self.” Although I am at the beginning of my creative journey, this series marks a significant milestone in my development. It reflects my meditations on nature and humanity, on how we perceive the world and our place within it. I hope my work inspires viewers to engage in their reflections, to feel connected to the unseen, and to ponder what it means to be human.
About Ilya
Ilya is a young photographer from Moldova. Photography became an integral part of his life after a turning point that profoundly altered his perception of the world and of himself. This experience was akin to a catharsis: he faced emotional struggles and suffering that transformed his inner world and compelled him to view life from a new perspective. At that moment, he understood that photography was not only a means of personal expression but also a way to communicate with the world. Through it, he conveys his feelings, fears, emotions, and inner questions. Photography became part of his identity, his language for speaking about what he considers important. His main goal is to create works that awaken genuine emotions in the viewer, prompting deep and personal reflections, even if only for an instant.
He draws inspiration from the world around him. Simplicity and honesty are fundamental to him: everyday objects, nature, urban geometry, and the serendipitous stories of the street form the foundation for conveying emotions and philosophical thoughts. His art is a dialogue with the viewer, in which he strives to be as sincere and open as possible. He believes that only through honesty can an authentic connection emerge between the artist and the audience. It’s important to him that viewers not only look at his photographs but also find something personal within them, experiencing them from their own perspective, even if it does not align with his original idea. A key feature of his work is attention to color. For him, color is a storyteller capable of creating a unique atmosphere in each image. He prefers working with muted, faded tones and a medium level of noise, as this approach emphasizes the existential questions he raises in his works. Every shade in his photographs is deliberate, serving as a tool to express subtle emotional states. Color allows him to create visual poetry without resorting to literalness.
He finds inspiration in various sources: films, books, paintings, music, and even ephemeral moments of everyday life. Among the photographers who have significantly influenced his creativity are Jim Goldberg, Daido Moriyama, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and William Eggleston. Their works taught him the importance of finding a unique approach for each project, staying true to his vision, and using photography as an instrument to explore human nature. His projects often focus on existential themes such as loneliness, the inner world, and the perception of one’s surroundings. For instance, his most recent project, “The Forest,” is a visual meditation on isolation and the attempt to reconnect with oneself through nature. In it, he sought to convey a sense of blurred memories, the fleeting nature of time, and elusive beauty. For him, the forest became a metaphor for the human mind: chaotic yet structured, intimidating yet comforting.
His work is not only art but also a way of posing questions with universal resonance. He is interested in exploring the blurry boundaries between reality and perception, between the visible and the hidden. He wants his photographs to serve as a starting point for viewers, encouraging them to delve into their own reflections and discover who they are. Through his work, he seeks to create a space where the public can momentarily escape the external world and turn inward. Although he is at the beginning of his journey, he is committed to constant growth and the pursuit of new forms of expression. For him, photography is an endless process of exploration, with no definitive answers but infinite possibilities for future discoveries. He believes that creativity involves continuous forward movement, even through mistakes, failures, and doubts.
