Mysticism and the Occult: The Work of J.A. Young

Text by Oman Morí (@omanmori)

Psychedelic thinker Terence McKenna once envisioned "the end of history" not as a definitive conclusion but as a pivotal moment in human evolution—a convergence of novelty and a profound shift in consciousness. This idea of a transformative event rather than an apocalyptic endpoint has inspired artists across various mediums, including photographers.

Photographer, J.A. Young, draws upon McKenna's philosophies and lectures to create a mesmerizing visual narrative. Through a blend of archival adaptations, personal photography, layering techniques, collage elements, and diverse divination practices, Young—a multimedia artist based in Asheville, N.C. —explores mysticism to give their images a sense of ethereal contemplation.

The resulting photographs provoke viewers to take a closer look, offering a blend of archival nostalgia and a raw, industrial aesthetic. Young's project, titled “Of Fire, Far Shining" evokes a palpable sense of impending change and anticipation. As Young states “It explores what it feels like to be trapped within our highly strange, cataclysmic, and inevitably transformational moment”

Each image evokes a sense of unease and anxiety, suggesting an imminent transformation. Images that encapsulate an amalgamation of emotions—scientific curiosity, natural disasters, and enigmatic figures. They possess an interconnected quality reminiscent of McKenna's philosophy, transcending temporal boundaries by seamlessly intertwining different eras, religious motifs, and aspects of the human condition, inviting introspection and reflection.

For more information about J.A. Young, you can visit its social media or website