A N G E L S & D E M O N S
“If my devils are to leave me, I am afraid my angels will take flight as well.” (Rainer Maria Rilke)
Inhale and exhale.
You are born and you die like light in darkness.
Searching for balance in chaos, in the world and within yourself.
An endless cycle of growth and loss.
Thoughts and emotions that rise to the surface from places deeply hidden within us, that must be relived.
The unconscious becomes conscious, changing its essence and form.
To open up, to feel, and to return to the places where everything began and everything will end.
To nature.
To home.
To ourselves.
The "Angels and Demons" project is an introspective exploration of the relationship between the artist's inner world and his surroundings. The photographs were taken in Orava, in the small village of Bobrov, which is my family home. Orava, known for its majestic mountains, beautiful nature, and rich culture, has become a symbol of a spiritual journey. I left it as a young man and returned years later to discover the deep connection that binds me to this place. The theme of the project is contrast, the duality of nature, light and shadow. These opposing forces reflect my inner world, thoughts, and desires, as well as the complexity of the identity I have built over the years. It is a visual essay that penetrates deep emotional realms and shows how our roots permeate our everyday lives. Through photography and film, I attempt to capture the atmosphere of Orava as seen through my eyes and convey the emotions that arise within me every time I return home. Why do I feel the need to return? What are my roots, and how have they shaped my worldview? This project is the answer to these questions and an attempt to understand them. Each element, each photograph and video, is a fragment of the puzzle connecting my personal story with the natural and cultural heritage of the region. They allow me to discover what I have lost and accept who I have become. The goal of the project is to create a space for reflection, where viewers can experience their own inner conflicts and confront their own "angels" and "demons." To return to the places that shaped them. To find peace and reconciliation. "Angels and Demons" are not just symbols, but also complex representations of what exists within all of us. This project is an invitation on a journey - a journey through the soul, which is as diverse and fascinating as Orava itself.
Slovakia, Orava, Bobrov 2024