The term hypnagogia refers to the transitional period between wakefulness and sleep, and it’s this period where I find that unwelcome visions often enter my head, causing anxiety and insomnia.
“Transition to and from sleep may be attended by a wide variety of sensory experiences. These can occur in any modality, individually or combined, and range from the vague and barely perceptible to vivid hallucinations”
Inspired by fear, horror films, black metal music, ancient folklore and the possibility of extra-terrestrial life, this series has led me on a journey into my own psyche.
’Hypnagogia’ is a series of darkroom printed, black and white photographs that I’ve slowly been piecing together into a cohesive set over the past 2 years.
A significant departure from recent work, the photographs themselves mostly predict a post-apocalyptic world but also presumed visions of hell and the after life; prompting the question “what happens after death?’
At first, I wasn’t really sure what I was trying to say with the photographs; but I knew something was forming. Working in the darkroom and hand printing the pictures was fundamental to the series. As time went by I slowly chipped away at the project, it finally started to make sense and I began to see where I was heading.
After much deliberation, I decided that a soundtrack was needed to create atmosphere, and the addition of the carefully selected soundtrack – I feel – made the work as I envisioned.
Making this series has forced me to face the darkness and obscurity, but also question my own mortality. The series has sometimes felt like a therapy session and has helped relieve my over active imagination, and lessen the load that I sometimes carry.
The visions still happen of course, although now they are not quite as alarming and unexpected as they once were – I guess I’ve learned to live with them.
A big thank you to Dan!
About Dan
Born in 1974, Bridgend, South Wales, UK, Dan – a self taught photographer – discovered photography in 1995 through Skateboarding and the culture that surrounds it.
His inspiration comes from a wide subject matter and although diverse, he considers himself predominantly a documentary photographer – shooting stories in both traditional and contemporary approach.
Dan has travelled widely in pursuit of inspiration, knowledge and experience; capturing on film, a multitude of cultures and landscapes.
His work has been featured in many publications including CCQ, Ernest Journal and Black & White Photography. He has participated in over 45 exhibitions both nationally and internationally; including 5 solo shows.
You can contact and view more of Dan’s work through his website: www.danwoodphoto.com
Unless otherwise stated, all images and words in this article are © Dan Wood
