Text by Oman Morí

Images by Aleksei Kazantsev

Our understanding of animals has traversed generations and generations, as described by Carl Jung through the concept of archetypes, this refers to a kind of knowledge that is present in the collective unconscious of humanity. This pattern of inherited ideas guides us on our journey through the world. However: what becomes of this when faced with altered states of consciousness? Conditions that have become increasingly prevalent in our modern lives – phenomena like isolation and dissociation from our surroundings.

Belarusian photographer Aleksei Kazantsev uses photography to explore these intricacies in our current relationship with animals. Like entering this realm with a camera, Kazantsev’s body of work exudes an air of obscurity and unpredictability. Human expressions and animal forms, evoke a sense of unfamiliarity and induce a hypnotic fascination. At the same time, this exploration brings to mind the foundational principle of surrealism: the act of allowing a direct channel to one's unconscious flow, entering a meditative state where the external world stays in the background.

In his ongoing series "Relaxing Chamber," Kazantsev explores the complex connection between consciousness shared by humans and animals. The imagery consists of human faces intertwined with animalistic shapes, often shrouded in mystery. As the author states: “There are claws and tentacles, thrusting out, stiffened, at rest. And there are people, surrounded by a black void, some seemingly asleep, some in an ecstatic trance, others in contemplation. The project circles around the human psyche and concerns the archetypal symbolism of animals in collective unconscious memory, altered states of consciousness in trance and hypnosis, and related phenomena such as feelings of euphoria, isolation, and dissociation in everyday life. 'Relaxing Chamber' (entomological term) is a container that has a very high humidity. When insects are dead long before pinning, rigor mortis develops, often resulting in body distortion. In such cases, a “relaxing chamber” is used to make them flexible”.

Aleksei Kazantsev (Slutsk, Belarus) is a visual artist who specializes in photography. Currently based in Antwerp, Belgium, he studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. Kazantsev's work draws inspiration from archetypal imagery, collective unconscious memory, symbolism, hypnotic states, and liminal mindscapes, resulting in intuitive and narrative-driven creations. Through altered perspectives and distorted visuals, he purposefully disorients viewers, inviting them to confront the uncanny within reality. Kazantsev's art has graced exhibitions in prestigious European galleries, including Belgium's L'Enfant Sauvage, Pulsar, and Archiraar Gallery, as well as the UK's pic.london festival and Poland's Arsenal Gallery.