TREE FACES
Is a person capable of seeing something more in trees than just materials for construction or a source of wood? The project “Tree faces” is a profound visual and philosophical exploration of the relationship between humans and nature.
Immersing themselves in both forested and urban spaces, the project’s authors discover images that emerge within the textures of tree trunks. These are not random forms or shapes; they are archetypal faces, filling the forest with symbolic meaning. In these images, much like in ancient engravings, the photographers see the faces of animals, people, and mythological creatures. Careful observation allows one to perceive a metaphorical connection between humans and trees, nature and culture, reality and imagination. The project explores not only visual parallels but also aims to expand the perception of the forest as a living and intelligent space.
For centuries, the tree has been a powerful archetype in culture and mythology. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once wrote, “A tree is a link between earth and heaven.” It symbolizes growth, life and spiritual rebirth; it is a keeper of history and memory, embodying the bond between humans and nature that stretches back to ancient times. In today’s world, humanity’s relationship with nature is increasingly one-sided. The inhabitants of the megapolis often see trees merely as resources, forgetting their sacred and metaphysical role. By gazing at the faces of trees, the authors of the project remind viewers that the attitude to nature is directly connected with the attitude to ourselves. Forests are not simply landscapes; they are a part of our cultural and spiritual heritage. This project is designed to awaken not only an aesthetic appreciation of the forest but also to draw attention to its fragility. In a time of widespread deforestation and biodiversity loss, this project becomes an act of resistance, a statement on the need for a mindful approach to nature, and a call to awaken awareness and a desire to preserve forests for future generations.
The choice of black and white photography is not accidental. The absence of color enhances the abstract and metaphorical nature of the images, allowing viewers to focus on textures and lines. The faces of the trees become portraits of a forest that lives and feels. It is a restoration of lost harmony.
The project opens a space for dialogue on contemporary art and its ability to draw attention to ecological and philosophical issues. The authors of the project take the viewer back to a time when humanity and nature still spoke the same language, showing that in a world where everything is interconnected, it is vital to understand and feel these subtle connections if we want to preserve both nature and culture.
The project is carried out jointly with Krasnoyarsk-based landscape photographer Aleksandr Leshchenok (https://al-photo.ru/en).
Immersing themselves in both forested and urban spaces, the project’s authors discover images that emerge within the textures of tree trunks. These are not random forms or shapes; they are archetypal faces, filling the forest with symbolic meaning. In these images, much like in ancient engravings, the photographers see the faces of animals, people, and mythological creatures. Careful observation allows one to perceive a metaphorical connection between humans and trees, nature and culture, reality and imagination. The project explores not only visual parallels but also aims to expand the perception of the forest as a living and intelligent space.
For centuries, the tree has been a powerful archetype in culture and mythology. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once wrote, “A tree is a link between earth and heaven.” It symbolizes growth, life and spiritual rebirth; it is a keeper of history and memory, embodying the bond between humans and nature that stretches back to ancient times. In today’s world, humanity’s relationship with nature is increasingly one-sided. The inhabitants of the megapolis often see trees merely as resources, forgetting their sacred and metaphysical role. By gazing at the faces of trees, the authors of the project remind viewers that the attitude to nature is directly connected with the attitude to ourselves. Forests are not simply landscapes; they are a part of our cultural and spiritual heritage. This project is designed to awaken not only an aesthetic appreciation of the forest but also to draw attention to its fragility. In a time of widespread deforestation and biodiversity loss, this project becomes an act of resistance, a statement on the need for a mindful approach to nature, and a call to awaken awareness and a desire to preserve forests for future generations.
The choice of black and white photography is not accidental. The absence of color enhances the abstract and metaphorical nature of the images, allowing viewers to focus on textures and lines. The faces of the trees become portraits of a forest that lives and feels. It is a restoration of lost harmony.
The project opens a space for dialogue on contemporary art and its ability to draw attention to ecological and philosophical issues. The authors of the project take the viewer back to a time when humanity and nature still spoke the same language, showing that in a world where everything is interconnected, it is vital to understand and feel these subtle connections if we want to preserve both nature and culture.
The project is carried out jointly with Krasnoyarsk-based landscape photographer Aleksandr Leshchenok (https://al-photo.ru/en).
Stop cut down the cedars!
Once upon a time, trees and humans were friends. Everything has changed. Friendship was replaced by a consumerist and predatory attitude towards nature. This series of works is dedicated to the felling of cedars by tourists in the Yergaki Nature Park. Piece by piece from the root system, and in a few years the tree dries up.
The park authorities together with volunteers annually plant cedar seedlings. But, unfortunately, the restoration of the tree population is very slow. It is difficult to carry out reforestation work at altitudes. Plus, cedar has a very poor survival rate.
We believe that the process of deforestation can be stopped only by joint efforts. Tourists should treat nature with care. The staff of the Yergaki Nature Park should strengthen control over preservation of existing cedars.
The project is carried out jointly with Krasnoyarsk-based landscape photographer Aleksandr Leshchenok (https://al-photo.ru/en).
The park authorities together with volunteers annually plant cedar seedlings. But, unfortunately, the restoration of the tree population is very slow. It is difficult to carry out reforestation work at altitudes. Plus, cedar has a very poor survival rate.
We believe that the process of deforestation can be stopped only by joint efforts. Tourists should treat nature with care. The staff of the Yergaki Nature Park should strengthen control over preservation of existing cedars.
The project is carried out jointly with Krasnoyarsk-based landscape photographer Aleksandr Leshchenok (https://al-photo.ru/en).
Human reset
“Great things are accomplished when men and mountains meet.” How right the English poet and artist William Blake is! Mountains are great teachers and psychologists, who sometimes teach us more than we could learn from books.
This series of works focuses on the healing process of an urban dweller in a mountain environment. Using a mixed technique, the authors show how the mountains penetrate the soul, force to throw off masks, the weight of worldly problems, get rid of claims and false emotions. There is a process of nullification and purification. The city dweller finds inner joy, tranquility and strength. Thus he conquers not mountains, but himself!
The project is carried out jointly with Krasnoyarsk-based landscape photographer Aleksandr Leshchenok (https://al-photo.ru/en).
This series of works focuses on the healing process of an urban dweller in a mountain environment. Using a mixed technique, the authors show how the mountains penetrate the soul, force to throw off masks, the weight of worldly problems, get rid of claims and false emotions. There is a process of nullification and purification. The city dweller finds inner joy, tranquility and strength. Thus he conquers not mountains, but himself!
The project is carried out jointly with Krasnoyarsk-based landscape photographer Aleksandr Leshchenok (https://al-photo.ru/en).
@ Огнева Марина, 2024