At the edge between reality and dream, Dana Cojbuc’s work invites us into her fantasy world. Using her camera, she captures nature as it is—messy, chaotic, dark, intermingled and raw. She then expands these images with a charcoal pencil, creating an imagined world where trees have no beginning or end, gravity doesn’t exist, and the forest floats in emptiness. This unique fusion of photography and drawing results in a surreal experience that captivates the viewer. Her piece “Yggdrasil,” named after the great tree in Norwegian mythology that connects the heavens, earth, and underworld, is showcased at the small gallery “l’Angle” in Hendaye, France. During a residency in Norway, Dana connected deeply with the nature there, experiencing the sea, forest, and ominous skies. The residency offered her a unique opportunity to immerse herself in a landscape that is both rugged and mystical, filled with contrasts and dramatic beauty. The experience profoundly influenced her artistic vision. Photographing this reality wasn’t enough for her; she felt compelled to extend it into an infinite, imagined world that transcends the physical limitations of the environment she encountered. By blending these elements with her charcoal drawings, she created a seamless transition between the real and the imaginary, encouraging viewers to explore their perceptions of reality and illusion. The result is stunning, deep, and unsettling. Viewers find themselves torn between the photographic reality and the drawn fantasy, questioning where the boundary lies between the two. This tension is a deliberate aspect of Dana’s work. She seeks to challenge our understanding of what is real and what is imagined, blurring the lines until they become indistinguishable. Her use of charcoal in her work makes it rich in texture and emotion. Dana was present at the gallery to introduce her work and discuss her future plans, including adding color to her invented world. Her presence added a personal touch to the exhibition, allowing us visitors to gain deeper insights into her creative process and the inspirations behind her work. She explained how adding color could further transform her pieces, bringing a new dimension to her already dynamic creations. This next step in her artistic journey promises to open up even more avenues for exploration and innovation. As she continues to evolve and experiment, we look forward to witnessing the extraordinary worlds she will undoubtedly create.
