'sacalaia'
archival pigment on rag paper
13 x 19 in - edition of 5
24 x 36 in - edition of 3
sacalaia / 2021 / HD video / 4 mins 8 seconds / music © Sunny Lax
clouds and sky, 1990s, printed 2021
jump #1, 1990s, printed 2021
dive #1, 2021
reed islet, 1990s, printed 2021
jump #2, 1990s, printed 2021
dive #2, 2021
distance, 1990s, printed 2021
jump #3, 1990s, printed 2021
dive #3, 2021
lake and hills, 1990s, printed 2021
handle, 1990s, printed 2021
dive #4, 2021
basilica, 1990s, printed 2021
alone, 1990s, printed 2021
light water, 2021
stars in the night, 1990s, printed 2021
Sacalaia (Pike Lake) is the deepest freshwater natural lake in Transylvania. The legend states that the lake formed when a salt mine under a small Roman village caved in about 2000 years ago, leading to the flooding of the village. At times, on clear water days, one can see the tip of the basilica. Many tried to dive in to reach the old village, only some to never return. As a kid, we took many trips in rowboats over the lake in the search for the old basilica.
In this project, I mix images made as a young boy during these trips with recently created images, paying homage to a younger self journeying towards identity, searching for lost faith and ideals, reconnecting to what holds me true to myself.