It is a rare occurrence for individuals to find the time or opportunity to engage in deep, reflective thought. Our lives are characterized by a fast-paced nature, with instant access to information leading us to desire even quicker results. The notion of slowing down and examining our overall trajectory is seldom considered. Where are we headed? Should we strive for greater happiness? It is far simpler to distract ourselves with temporary bursts of pleasure, fuelled by dopamine, which momentarily satisfy our desires and blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Take a moment to envision a life where we can pause, reflect, and act in a manner that cultivates lasting happiness throughout our lifetime. What sacrifices would you be willing to make to attain such a life? What aspects of your current existence would you alter, and who would you choose to accompany you on this journey?

Silverback gorillas exemplify this characteristic perfectly. I captured an image of this individual, maintaining his stance and gazing into the distance for several minutes. The sense of peace and resolve in his eyes was calming and reassuring; quite different to that of humans. 

The original photograph has been transformed into a monochromatic depiction and merged with paper textures to achieve a nuanced artistic aesthetic. Specific editing techniques have been employed to establish a sense of order within the overly busy background, redirecting our attention towards the ruler of the primate kingdom.