Modus Somnia

MODUS SOMNIA

The real world is an elusive space beyond our perception. Drawing from Plato’s Cave allegory, one could argue that we only see reflections of reality, its ghostly shadows, and then reproduce our own distorted images, woven from dreams and memories.

Due to our inability to fully grasp reality and the insularity of our personal worlds, it can be said that we live within two types of dreams: a dream within a dream and a waking dream. We wander restlessly through the realms of these dreams, trying to touch upon a reality that remains out of reach for us.

This nature of human perception is reflected in the works of Yaroslav Pavlov. Through his photographs, he delves into the labyrinths of dreams where the boundaries between memories and fantasies blur, creating a world reminiscent of the cinematic tapestries of Tarkovsky and Lynch — the artist’s favorite movie directors.

Yaroslav Pavlov crafts his unique visual narrative using traditional means. All pieces are shot on film cameras. While prints are made digitally, all visual effects are achieved solely through optical methods. Such an approach ensures the authenticity of the works.

In this exhibition, comprising 50 photographs, Yaroslav invites us to walk beside him through the corridors of memory, to experience what might have never existed, and to immerse ourselves in the ambiance of dreams. It’s an invitation to a world where every image is a reflection of the photographer’s inner realm.