FAERIAN GALLERY EVENT | JUNE 6th TO 8th 2023

Humanity

I am one of the 100+ human artists participating in the special event creating in the live stream presented 24/7 for 3 days during NFC Lisboa and online.

The Prompt

The Essence of Connection

In a world driven by technology and digital interactions, the essence of connection is often overlooked or undervalued. For this art contest, I want artists to explore and depict the multifaceted nature of human connection. Whether it’s the connection between individuals, communities, cultures, or even the connection between humans and nature, I want artists to capture the depth and significance of these bonds. Artists can interpret this theme in various ways, such as exploring emotional connections, shared experiences, the power of empathy, or the beauty of human relationships. They can delve into the struggles and triumphs of forming connections, the impact of technology on human interaction, or the longing for meaningful connections in a fast-paced world. The possibilities are vast, allowing artists to express their unique perspectives and visions on the theme of connection. Participants are encouraged to experiment with different artistic styles to bring their ideas to life. The key is to convey the essence of connection through compelling visuals and thought-provoking artistic expressions. Remember, connection is a universal theme that resonates with everyone, so artists have the opportunity to create something that not only showcases their talent but also speaks to the shared human experience. Let your creativity flow and celebrate the profound and meaningful connections that make us who we are.

—

by Cristina Rigoselli

The Artwork

Meeting in the middle

The artwork depicts the prompt visually by representing firstly the connection between individuals, and conveying a sense of the exchange of energy, the effect in our human body, the chemical hormonal reactions, electrical impulses in our brains to experiencing bonding and forming meaningful connections to others.

Two separate paths that join representing the different cultures, communities and even religions that often have the same basic philosophical principles but call them differently, that finally are connecting at their core human values. Depicting as well the dynamic of relationships, and referring to the title, as we often need to “meet in the middle” by making some form of compromise or just presenting an open mind, in order to maintain healthy respectful relationships where every part feel seen and heard.

I have drawn mountains and hills because connecting isn’t always easy and can represent a rocky road to certain individuals. Being myself neurodivergent brings its load of challenges when time comes to connect with others. I even find myself in some kind of a maze when I try to connect to my Self, to my own identity when masking has been a part of my life for so long. Connection to Self, connection to your essence, is quite important to grow and bloom as a happy individual. And it might be the key, the “essence of connection” to access your own vulnerability and honesty in order to share it in moments of truth.

Unlockable content (app.darkblock.io)

The high-quality image, with a Public Display/Non-Commercial License
Access to a timelapse video showing part of the creation using Procreate.
E-meet the artist 1/1 for 15 minutes (for the primary buyer)

The Process

Creating a hybrid digital collage, I felt it made sense to bring “connection” between the traditional mixed media, the digital illustration and the new media (AI). I started by building textures scanning some acrylic gelli prints. Some of them I had imprinted with sage leaves to create organic natural textures.

I generated some images to use in the collage using Midjourney as a tool to get resources, as I would have used any magazine or stock image website. Advantage is I prompted for what I wanted and designed them myself. I was able to get the groovy blooms and electrical explosions I wanted and “infused” some of them including in the prompt conceptual interpretation with words like ”the meeting of two souls”.

I illustrated in Procreate the rest, also using line work to push the connection theme. Using Photoshop to end production, edit layers, calibration, transparencies and masks.

My overall vision was to create this surreal metaphorical collage-y landscape. I am very inspired by psychology, philosophy and my own personal journey in life.

Wait.... there is more!

Faerian Gallery

By collecting a piece of the collection, you will receive the status of a ‘Guardian’ of the Faerian Gallery, meaning:
– you have access to Faerian’s future collections in advance
– you can be part of Faerian’s jury for the future art contests
– private events & Discord channel