Catalin Marcu Studio

Part of Meeting Point .ro

The mask of melancholy

Happiness is in a constant need of consciousness as an instrument for growth and validation, being not eternal, but volatile and leaving room for sadness.
Melancholy. It was the first term used for clinical depression. Nowadays it is seen as a specific depressive disorder.
During the Renaissance period it has been put together with the creative genius and praised in that respect.
The series addresses melancholy as an emotion, from the creative point of view, as a feeling used in the benefit of creating artistic works. The series aims to take the viewer through stages of inner struggle, finally reaching to the awakening from the melancholic state.
The first 4 images portray life seen in black and white, further transitioning by means of natural flower patterns to mask melancholy.

1st image | "Behind cardboard walls"
The melancholy wall as a state of sadness that one may not be able to explain. Rays of light and hope make their way in through the cracks in the wall.

2nd image | "Fragile iron"
The human emotional fragility, stripped of anything material, as its connection to the sadness of the collective consciousness contributes to the feeling of melancholy.

3rd image | "Her reflection"
She is beautiful and hard on herself, triggering unhappiness.

4th image | "Petals"
Using flowers, their colours, textures and randomness to describe human feelings.

5th image | "Masks"
Wearing a beautiful mask concealing the inner struggle and offering protection.

6th image | "The red flower"
The overexposing of planes suggest the reticence of opening to the world, the fear of being judged, bullied or considered weak.

7th image | "Avatar"
The everyday social and digital life, with everyone presenting and upscaling its successes and goals.
Most of the time, people wear invisible masks and relate to things beyond their comfort and beliefs, just to earn a good social rating in front of their audiences. In their moments of solitude the individuals are overwhelmed and exhausted and experience moments of sadness and melancholy.

8th image | "Meditation"
Living the present moments after having been released from the bitterness of the past and the uncertainties of the future.
The subconscious takes over reality and brings the inner peace and tranquility.

9th image | "Awakening"
The spirit never fades out, it uses the life experience to grow and shine through.
The rays of light symbolise the awakening from the melancholic state.

Hope you'll enjoy it!

Catalin Marcu | Portrait Awards 2019 Entry Check out Catalin’s entry to the LensCulture Portrait Awards 2019! Share this post and help discover the best photography from all over the world!