The Art of Observing: A Dialogue Between Cycladic Surfaces and Da Vinci's Genius
In our hyperconnected, fast-paced world, the art of observation has become an endangered practice. The relentless stream of tasks, notifications, and distractions leaves little room for pause or reflection. My photographic project is a response to this urgency—a visual invitation to slow down, look closely, and reconnect with the act of seeing. By merging the serene, whitewashed surfaces of Cycladic architecture with the ethereal brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings, I aim to create a space for stillness and contemplation, where imagination is rekindled and stories unfold.
The Cyclades, with their iconic simplicity and timeless beauty, have long been a source of inspiration. Their surfaces—sun-bleached walls, textured plaster, and shadows shaped by natural light—are canvases waiting to speak. In this series, they become more than architectural forms; they transform into bearers of hidden narratives. Against this backdrop, Leonardo’s sketches—subtly overlaid as if they were fading graffiti—emerge as echoes of another time. These faint lines and curves remind us of Da Vinci’s unparalleled mastery of observation, his ability to see not just the surface but the intricate mechanics of life beneath it.
Da Vinci’s works—studies of anatomy, flight, botany, and geometry—are not merely drawings; they are acts of inquiry. In overlaying his sketches onto Cycladic walls, I hope to conjure the sensation of discovery, as if the Master himself had wandered through these islands, leaving traces of his genius behind. The ghostly nature of these sketches suggests a dialogue between the past and the present, between moments of deep study and fleeting glances.
But this project is not solely an homage to Da Vinci’s brilliance. It is also a playful experiment in perception. Surfaces, like the ones in my photographs, are rarely blank. They hide forms, textures, and stories that are waiting to be discovered—if only we take the time to look. As children, we are taught to engage with images through observation and imagination. “Tell me, what do you see?” we might ask when flipping through a picture book, encouraging younger minds to explore and narrate their interpretations. Yet, as we grow older, the demands of modern life often dull this curiosity. We cease to ask questions of the world around us, and in doing so, we miss opportunities to uncover beauty and meaning.
My project is an invitation to play—a call to both adults and younger audiences to pause and rediscover the joy of observation. Through the soft interplay of Da Vinci’s delicate lines and the stark minimalism of Cycladic architecture, I want viewers to approach these images with curiosity. What shapes and figures emerge from the textured walls? How do Da Vinci’s anatomical studies interact with the light and shadow of these ancient surfaces? What stories begin to take form in your imagination?
This blend of timeless forms and artistic genius is more than an aesthetic exercise; it is an act of mindfulness. It urges us to reclaim the capacity for attention in a world that so often demands our distraction. It celebrates the tactile and the visual, the seen and the unseen, and the stories that reside within the folds of everyday surfaces.
Ultimately, this project pays tribute not only to Leonardo da Vinci but to the human capacity for wonder. His legacy is not confined to his drawings; it lies in his ability to teach us how to see. My hope is that this work will inspire viewers to pause and observe, to imagine and interpret, and to find moments of stillness amidst the chaos of modern life. For in these moments, we might rediscover not just the hidden beauty of the world around us, but the quiet joy of truly seeing.