A memory present

Asha Swillens' extensive research of 17th-century paintings sparked a fascination with their use of lights and shadows alongside the combination of mostly black and white clothing on a dark background. Those paintings combine a heavy contrast with ‘ton-sur-ton’ tones to use these influences a specific feel. Work that feels like seeing a memory from a long time ago, whilst being modern and new - elements and atmosphere she adopted herself. Consequently, Swillens' work questions the border of reality and fiction as all her images are a digital collage - a non-existing composition of real elements.