Explorations of shadow, form, and abstraction underpin the visual approach in Umbra, where Viviane Sassen blurs the boundaries between figure and environment. The photobook presents a complex interplay of light and dark, capturing elusive silhouettes and geometric shapes that challenge perception and invite contemplation on space and presence.
The thematic focus on contrast and ambiguity is sustained throughout this 196-page collection, emphasizing the sculptural qualities of the human body and natural elements. Sassen’s nuanced compositions reveal subtle textures and unexpected juxtapositions, encouraging a meditative engagement with the photographs’ inherent mystery and rhythm.