Sense
The inexplicable moment of feeling a metaphysical presence.
In this collection of photographs, Evie Kelly explores the inexplicable moment of feeling a metaphysical presence. Often, a person will experience an intuitive feeling that there is something, or someone, in the room with them. It is something that can't be explained, but is known with certainty.
This project explores the essence of feeling an abnormal and transcendental presence. Fleeting scenes of strange figures and enigmatic movement are interwoven with eerie landscapes to create a body of work that depicts the intangibility of the moment.
The resulting photographs are atmospheric and immersive. They attempt to embody the moment where one has felt another's intangible existence.
Her work is inspired by her upbringing in a 'haunted' home. Since her childhood, she has often chased this peculiar feeling. Rather than depicting the sensation as being scary or uncanny, she hopes viewers will feel curious while also at ease. She hopes to convey the beauty of this strange feeling; however, she still communicates the certainty that there is a presence beyond human.
‘This is something I attribute to my upbringing, as I love the feeling I have when I enter a space that has a strange entity’
The project’s title, ‘Sense’ explores the idea of the experience being more than just a sighting, but rather an indescribable sense. It’s not always visible, but a feeling that is beyond any one of the five senses.
These images depict how Kelly visually interprets these moments.
Shot only on 35mm film, this body of work relies on the serendipity of a singular moment to cultivate a rich atmosphere. Focusing on a mix of landscapes and portraiture, the images employ a myriad of focal matters to explore the sensation.
She utilises multiple techniques to build the atmosphere in her work, including double exposures to create laying, slow shutter speeds to emphasise movement and light painting to highlight strange figures. Kelly uses mixed film stocks, including 20 + years expired slide reversal film, adding extra depth and texture to her images.
This project is directed at anyone who has experienced an extraordinary presence and cannot express how it felt.
These photographs will connect with those who have felt a spiritual sense, whilst simultaneously articulating it to those who have never had this experience.
