S H A D O W L I F E

Shadow is fundamental to architecture. How do we, as
sensory beings, respond to shadow psychologically?
This is a phenomenological investigation of shadow in
architecture through photography, psychological
interpretation and poetic writing. It considers
shadow interpretation, spirituality, beauty and the
Japanese aesthetic, the sublime, masculine and
feminine readings, abstraction of shadow projection,
the creative mind and depression, isolation, and
death. Photographic images encourage the reader to see their surroundings anew to become more acutely
aware and fascinated by the everyday.
Often we are not aware of our environment through
lack of appreciation, observation or interest, yet if
we stop to take time to absorb the beauty of low
illumination found in architecture and nature we may
be able to apprehend a more profound experience of
our existence. As Juhani Pallasmaa says: Art
originates in the emergence of the human
consciousness of self and the encounter with the world.
This work tries to help navigate the darkness which
is our constant companion and becomes a contemplation
of shadow as a real and present force in the
architecture of our shadowlife.