In our existence, time flows, runs and flies fast. Against this implacable and irreversible dynamics, I often feel the need to pause in a natural environment. My last natural retreat took place in the Drakensberg Mountains and the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa. My mind relaxes and blossoms when contemplating natural flows – foremost water.
Water holds a profound significance in human cultures. In antique mythology, water transcends its physical properties to encompass spiritual, emotional and transformative qualities. According to epic tales depicting the onset of our universe, water symbolises not only creation but also destruction, purification and renewal.
Owing to climatic instability, our contemporary times exacerbate the dual nature of water: it allows and sustains life on one hand, transforms or annihilates life on the other hand.
Water flows express visually very well the dual nature of this essential element of life. This is what my photographic essay is about. To illustrate such duality, the essay consists in two parts; the two sections explore and interpret two specific geographic areas, and relie on two very different types of image processing. Enjoy the outcome of my workflow!
Drakensberg Mountains
Blyde River Canyon
Life goes on
At times, water, in its endless motion, pauses to gather strength before pursuing its transformative journey. I found one of those places, enshrined in an awesome landscape. Such moment of stillness and inter-connection between Nature and mankind is rare and precious. I contemplated the serene body of water for a long time, and left with renewed mental resources. Life goes on.
Cheers,
