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InspirationPhotography

Beautifully surreal photographs representing varying states of consciousness

Estados de Conciencia is by photographer Gaby Herbstein. The title translates as States of Conscience, and is the latest series in her extensive body of work. The surreal theme allows for the exploration of imaginary worlds, where a man (Cristian García) and a woman (Carla Moure), almost like Adam and Eve, are led through dream-like scenarios.

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Man in dark shirt holds a pale mask to his face while seated at a table with mechanical objects scattered around him

She says: "Estados de Conciencia is beyond aesthetics and photography. Inspired by the work of the great masters of surrealism, this project is a tribute to those who created images that could tell what cannot be seen, the metaphysical, what is beyond, what is within us, what is told by our dreams."

Next year the entire project will be featured in a book, which will coincide with an exhibition of photographs, videos and objects.

Using photography as a means of expression to raise awareness, Herbstein's work demonstrates her concern for the wellbeing of the universe, the preservation of the beauty of the planet, and the worries that have arisen from her personal experiences and spiritual quest.

Her career as a photographer and visual artist extends more than 23 years. She has produced and taken part in different solo and collective exhibitions in countries around the world, including Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru, the US, Russia, China and Japan. Herbstein's work has also appeared in national and international publications such as Harper's Bazaar, Elle and Vogue.

Via direct submission

Woman wearing black cat-ear beanie holding a fishing rod with a caught fish, beside a framed portrait, against a stormy sky backdrop
A person lies on a sheet of rippling blue water surrounded by towering white geometric mountains beneath a cloudy sky
Woman with oversized white dandelion seed head, wearing pale dress against teal background as seeds disperse into air
A woman in a flowing white dress floats horizontally through a dark, ethereal space with stars, her arm extended in a dreamlike pose
Surreal photograph of a person in profile wearing a dark jacket with birds flying across their head against a stormy sky and ocean horizon
Two figures stand on opposing curved branches suspended above a misty landscape, facing each other across a gap in this surreal composition from Gaby Herbstein's Estados de Conciencia series
A woman floats above a swirling mass of colourful butterflies emerging from an open book, set against a stormy sky and calm sea horizon
Woman with pale skin and dark hair covering her face with her hands against a muted grey seascape backdrop
Two figures in surreal masks – one wearing a shimmering grey headpiece, the other a dramatic ribbed sculptural mask – face each other against a dark blue background in Gaby Herbstein's Estados de Conciencia series
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