The Drowning

The Drowning is a haunting and evocative artwork that combines elements of video, augmented reality, and traditional visual media. The central image of the artwork depicts a naked man, struggling for breath underwater. This direct frame has been extracted from a video, which is viewable through the artwork’s augmented reality component. This immersive element adds an extra layer of depth and realism to the piece, allowing the viewer to experience the sensation of being underwater alongside the subject. The artwork is further enhanced by the use of vertical visual aberrations, reminiscent of the refraction seen through milk glass windows. This effect adds a sense of distortion and disorientation to the image, as if the viewer is looking through a veil or a barrier. In addition, the artwork is overlaid with light infraction filaments from quartz crystals, creating a sense of structural barriers. These elements combine with the visual aberrations to create a mesmerizing and otherworldly effect. Despite the darkness and despair depicted in the artwork, there is also a sense of resilience and determination. The man’s struggle is not a cry for help, but a quest for strength and courage in uncertain times. Overall, The Drowning is a powerful and thought-provoking artwork that explores themes of fear, survival, and resilience in the face of adversity. The combination of video, augmented reality, and traditional visual media creates a complex and immersive experience for the viewer, inviting them to engage with the artwork on multiple levels.