Let's imagine for a moment the lens of a camera, that circle that captures reality and transforms it into an image. The lens itself is a microcosm of the influence and symbolism that the circle has had on us, a shape that is as basic as it is complex.
This simple geometric design resonates in fields as varied as mathematics, religion and even the our psyche. And somehow that form finds its way into the visual arts, where it takes on new layers of meaning.
Within the composition, the circle in the photograph and in works of art it acts almost like a magnet for the eye. It doesn't matter if he's the protagonist of the image or an unobtrusive element in the background, he engages and directs our attention in a way that few other ways can. And in doing so, it not only enriches the aesthetic composition, but also triggers emotional triggers. The circular shape, in its simplicity, has the power to awaken a variety of sensations and emotional states, from a feeling of warmth and cohesion, as if we were being embraced by its simetria< span style="color: #ffffff;">, to a feeling of emptiness and undefinedness, similar to the mystery of a horizon that never seems to end.
But what is it about this shape that makes us feel so much? Carl Jung had an interesting theory: the circle, or the mandala, it is a representation of the "Self", the totality of the human psyche. Therefore, when we encounter this form in a work of art, it is as if something within us is being activated, an unconscious part that yearns for balance and wholeness. And when artists choose to incorporate the circle into their work, whether consciously or not, they are also dialoguing with these universal yearnings of the human spirit.
This quest for uniqueness is not just limited to our psyches, it also finds resonance in various cultural and spiritual traditions around the world. In eastern practices such as Buddhism and Hinduism, the circle, often manifested in the form of mandalas, serves as an instrument for meditation and spiritual enlightenment. Therefore, the presence of this form in the visual arts can function as a bridge to these more transcendental realms of understanding, adding a layer of depth to the spectator's experience.
Thus, the visual representation of the circle goes beyond simple stylistic choices to become a gateway to introspection, a window to complex emotions and even a bridge to the divine. This element engages us with its apparent simplicity, yet challenges us with its inherent complexity as we explore its deeper meanings. In an increasingly fragmented world, perhaps the circle acts as a silent link, reminding us that all things are somehow interconnected, and that each fragment is part of a larger, more cohesive system.
Written by Angela Rosana, learn more about me here.< /span>
Credits to the photographers appear on the images, with links to their Instagram profiles. Find out more about each other's work!
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