In the humid and dense jungle live the water maids, the animal ancestors and the spirits of the forest. We see reflections, not of ourselves, but mirrors that show us the path, transparent as spider's web. The shamans and honey eating children can see, in their dreams, the spirit of the jungle, chanting, floating, dancing amidst the bark of trees. As the camera diaphragm opens, our bodies, closed and opaque, open up and scape to this mysterious space outside. We thus begin to be a part of the dream which we blend with our own dreams.
Betina Samaia (b. 1964) is a Brazilian photographer, with a degree in Psychology. Through her work, she is interested in exploring the unconscious. She has been influenced by Surrealism and Impressionist painters: subtle lines and contours, strong colors, images that go beyond what we see – combining reality and imagination. She’s the author of four photobooks and has had exhibits in the U.S., France and Brazil. She is represented by Arte 57 Gallery in São Paulo.
