d a r k  l i g h t
images of awakening


shadowing


nascent

  
hexapoda                                                          emerged


pneuma


centered

dark night    dark night
coming to light                                                          emanation


eleusian mysteries

darknight     darknight
beyond the veil                                                          what lies beneath

darknight    darknight
arising                                                                 sphinx

dn     dk
lunar flight                                                             devil in the detail


in the garden


autogenous


on her back


looking in

darknight      darknight
taking hold                                                                     odyssey

darknight     darknight
into the light                                                               alight

      
dialogue                                                                              present

all images copyright of Kali van der Merwe

 

Dark Light – images of re-wakening

Scientists have discovered the visible world accounts for less than 5% of the matter in the universe. They have little understanding of what the other 95% is composed of and termed it dark matter and dark energy. We are in the dark and the cosmos is composed of the dark.  

Analogous is the genesis of my images, which are birthed at night and emerge from a subliminal place in myself. 

I use a photographic technique called Light Painting to give image form. It employs long exposure and movable light sources, breaking away from the literal into the interpretive, allowing for the visionary to manifest. 

My process is one of inner awakening, searching for intersections where personal meets primal, individual becomes archetypal, human touches divine. 

I use my female body to explore these depths. Invariably I am naked, casting off culture for a more essential reality.  

This solitary creativity frees me from inhibition and translates my inspiration directly without the gaze of another. 

My rational self is confined to the technical details of the camera, allowing my unconscious self, freedom to surface through gestural performance in front of the lens. 

Painting in light enables me to transcend corporeal reality, transforming flesh into vital energy forms and allowing the mythic to manifest. In this space, I find intuitive dialogue with a myriad of primordial selves. 

My images are forged directly in camera. There is no digital manipulation involved. I prefer to work with mediated chance, fusing locality with temporality.  

My intention is to re-awaken and re-invigorate the female spirit in all her ancient and contemporary multiplicity.    

HTML Comment Box is loading comments...