Ann Zhulan shares an experience from childhood in which she questioned her identity, leading to awareness of her existence beyond the physical body and mind. This fleeting moment of realisation inspired the creation of The World of the Subconscious series. In this project, the tree serves as an allegory for life, resilience, and the human connection to nature.

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Published in issue #4 2024, Expressive Nature

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Ann Zhulan: In childhood, I used to ask myself, “Who am I?” Swiftly and in a prolonged way, without pauses, repeating this question in my thoughts, I realised my “Self” beyond the boundaries of body and mind, my authenticity as a part of the Universe. The feeling of awareness and immersion into the depths of myself was unforgettable, but unfortunately, it lasted just a moment. As an adult, I have lost this ability; however, the memories of that feeling have inspired me to create The World of the Subconscious series. It is about self-recognition through a symbolic image of the Tree as a symbol of life.

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In the project The World of the Subconscious, I explore the theme of self-knowledge through the allegorical image of a tree. The tree symbolises life, resilience, and connection with nature. The photographs in this series become a visual reflection of emotions, feelings, and experiences. The World of the Subconscious is not just a photo project but a personal journey of self-knowledge. I strive to better understand myself and my place in the universe by exploring the connection with the tree. This is a dynamic project that is constantly evolving. It includes photographs from 2021 to the present day.

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About

Ann Zhulan is a Ukrainian visual artist. She studied contemporary photography at the Kyiv School of Photography under Dmytro Bohachuk. Her photographic works have been featured in international groups and online and offline exhibitions. Ann Zulan's works have received awards and mentions. Her works are presented in the following books: Sony World Photography Award 2024 and 100 Contemporary Ukrainian Photographers.

Her love of Ukrainian literature, her childhood spent in the magical expanses of Podillya, her interesting travels, and her fascination with different cultures and works of art have formed her unique author style.

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