The Lavas’ Whisper
The “V” HS Project is a stunning series of photographs designed by French multimedia artist, Philip Ob Rey. The photos were shot in Ob Rey’s home of Iceland in collaboration with painter, Louie Otesanek, and photographer Mailie Viney.
Unknown Ashes - Unknown Voices
Ob Rey’s eerie subjects were constructed using old VHS tapes in nearly their entirety (as well as other materials such as stone, shells, feathers, and seaweed), then shot in various locations around Iceland from the snow-covered mountains, to the icy, windblown ocean. The figures, while foreboding, also possess the classical elements of Haute-Couture, which makes sense as Ob Rey grew up surrounded by the dizzying world of Parisian high-fashion.
While reading Ob Rey’s striking mission statement, it appears that the artist may have been attempting to present his visual take on what will become of the world as we know it, and what will rise after it has all turned to ash. Some have even said the work is in part a social commentary on the “death” of the VHS tape, and that with their creation, Ob Rey has provided a way for VHS fans to finally say goodbye to their long-treasured physical media of choice. That seems a bit labored. Overthinking it.
Submarine Wings and Seeds
According to other sources Ob Rey’s goal was to make a strong statement about the effects of pollution and the mass proliferation of media, an opinion that is in line with Ob Rey’s mission statement which makes several references to environments that no longer exist, desolation, and rebirth. His images are stark and devoid of color and light and in many cases, (but not all), hope. “V” HS is presented in five parts; “The Lavas’ Whisper,” “Submarine Wings and Seeds,” “Thousands of Njord’s Feathers,” “Shadows of Bedrock Children,” and “Unknown Ashes - Unknown Voices.” Images from each section of Ob Rey’s remarkable project follow. Videos of his creations in motion can be viewed on his site, Humantropy.
The Lavas’ Whisper
Submarine Wings and Seeds
Thousands of Njord’s Feathers
Shadows of the Bedrock Children
Unknown Ashes - Unknown Light
H/T: Booooooom
Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Lost art of the lurid VHS cover