Reality as a Collage, Tirana, Albania

Typically, when we stand before a storefront window, our attention is drawn to the displayed items – clothing, shoes, flowers, or other objects. However, by adopting a focused, intentional approach to observation, we can isolate a specific subject from the myriad details that our eyes naturally pick up.
In other words, the ability to disregard certain elements allows us to function, orient ourselves, and organize the world into a seemingly orderly structure. Yet, this comes at the cost of simplifying reality and denying the distinction between its complexity and chaos, which is inherent in the infinite details that compose it.
When photographing a shop window, the camera captures not only the displayed objects but also the interior elements, the window’s lighting, and the reflections of the outside world. Upon closer examination, without the immediate intention to purchase, these subtleties become apparent, revealing the beauty and organic nature of our reality – a collage of diverse elements from various perspectives and sources. As our observational skills improve and our perception of reality expands, the distinctions between the interior and exterior, as well as the staged and spontaneous, begin to blur. It becomes evident that light – both projected and reflected – is the primary subject of our vision. And as we continue to gaze, we discern more details, collectively forming an increasingly intricate image of the world.
Initially, this series was inspired by a critical view of the flaccidity, superficiality, neglect, and alienation often associated with shop windows and their displays, as well as the imperfect and occasionally grotesque mannequins. However, during the month-and-a-half-long shooting process, the reflections of the outside world and the store interiors began to permeate the frames, interfering with the original intent. The challenge lay in finding angles and moments free from reflections, white flares, and obscuring darkness.
Ultimately, such ideal conditions were not found. As the artist reviewed the photographs, a realization dawned: the reflections were not mere distractions but an integral part of the image – a reflection of what the eye sees and the mind often overlooks. This insight led to a profound shift in perception, revealing a more intricate, rich, magnificent, fascinating, and potential-filled world. The photographs in this series embody this heightened awareness, conveying a sense of a less structured, more precise, and incredibly free reality.