nicole gangi
photographer | artist

Umbra

(2018)

Umbra, in astronomical terms, is the darkest part of a shadow cast by the earth or moon during an eclipse, where the light source is completely blocked by the obstructing body. The origins of the word Umbra date back to the 16th century, when it was used figuratively to represent a phantom or ghost, or more elaborately, “an uninvited guest accompanying an invited one.” This photographic series explores the notions of what is real and tangible versus what is physically absent but is very much there — an unknown presence.