Into the Water: Mysterious Artworks that Explore Surrealism and Visual Poetry

A Series of Ethereal Collages by Sonia Alins

With "Into the Water," Sonia Alins aims to convey an unreal atmosphere through the exploration of transparency and different levels of perception. The series features expressive figures emerging from a translucent veil, fading subtly under its ethereal touch. The inspiration for these artworks also draws from artists like Francesca Woodman, Wynn Bullock, and Barbara Morgan, as well as the narrative style of Hieronymus Bosch.

What sets "Into the Water" apart is the meticulous process of creation that Alins employs. By experimenting with minimalist techniques, she generates delicate and mysterious collages that evoke a sense of depth and blur. The figures, meticulously crafted from inked cardboards, watercolors, and colored pencils, contrast with the polypropylene sheets that form the aquatic environment. The addition of wool in some pieces adds texture and further enhances the overall atmosphere.

Each artwork in the series measures 500mm x 500mm x 45mm, providing a substantial presence that draws the viewer into its enigmatic world. The careful assembly of the inner and outer frames adds depth and varying degrees of blur, contributing to the overall surreal and dreamlike quality of the pieces.

When interacting with "Into the Water," viewers are captivated by the unique technique and the expressive personalities of the collages. The translucent veil that envelops the figures creates an ethereal sensation, while the combination of depth and blur adds an element of unreality. The characters, caught in moments of extreme expressiveness, evoke a strange and haunting emotional response.

The project began in February 2014 in Lleida, Spain, with a small collection of five pieces measuring 230mm x 230mm each. The definitive artworks, measuring 500mm x 500mm, were completed in November 2016. One of the pieces, also titled "Into the Water," was selected as a finalist at the World Illustration Awards 2016 and is currently part of an exhibition tour throughout the UK.

Sonia Alins' artistic research for "Into the Water" focused on creating artworks filled with visual poetry and lyricism. The technical research involved finding materials that offered different degrees of transparency and blur, resulting in the use of polypropylene sheets for the background and carefully selected papers and cardboards for the figures.

Overcoming creative and technical challenges, Alins discovered the perfect balance of materials and positioning to achieve the desired level of blur and expressiveness. The result is a series of collages that surprise viewers with their mysterious aquatic environment, symbolic imagery, and surreal personality.

"Into the Water" has garnered recognition and acclaim, including the Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2017. This prestigious award acknowledges the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the series, which combines art, science, design, and technology to create a unique and captivating experience.

Experience the captivating world of "Into the Water" and immerse yourself in the surreal and poetic artistry of Sonia Alins.