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Omni.


A reflection on the human spiritual need for something to believe in. Through a series of three chapters, In the beginning, In one's own image, and Amen, Omni hints at themes of omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, and omnibenevolence in a comment on belief systems as an answer to questions around place and origin, power and influence, emotional need and mortality. Omni also considers the roles of iconography and faith rituals within these systems, encouraging thinking about their significance within these systems as human constructs.


The Omni.

Omni - by Greig Clifford

I. In the beginning.

I. In the Beginning, Fire - by Greig Clifford

I. In the Beginning, Water - by Greig Clifford

I. In the Beginning, Air - by Greig Clifford

I. In the Beginning, Earth - by Greig Clifford

II. In one's own image.

II. In One's Own Image, 1 - by Greig CliffordII. In One's Own Image, 2 - by Greig CliffordII. In One's Own Image, 3 - by Greig CliffordII. In One's Own Image, 4 - by Greig Clifford

III. Amen.

III. Amen - by Greig Clifford



The Omni. A conceptual representation, its shape symbolically strong, perhaps even weaponlike, remaining mysterious with a timeless otherworldliness that evokes a sense of knowledge, wisdom, and powerful influence. Its profile draws comparisons with monolithic obelisks. The central split seems portal-like, but this also divides the Omni into joined halves to reflect philosophies of "two", such as the mind and body, the sacred and secular, and other ideas of dualism where the whole exists as a balanced relationship of two parts. Furthermore, through the formality of the image, made with deliberation in the studio environment, the Omni is honoured.

I. In the beginning relates to the concept of an origin story, in this case it references an ancient human understanding of creation using the classical elements of fire, water, air and earth. Some belief systems might consider deity as a creator of these elements (and the world) or perhaps as being born from them.

II. In one's own image relates to faith as a reflection of the self, and the idea that people only believe in the things they find relatable to themselves.

III. Amen relates to the ritual of prayer and its role in ceremony and communication (before bed, before eating, etc.). The image also hints at the concept of spirituality, the soul and the afterlife. Above the bed is a framed studio photograph of the Omni, a focal point for the prayer ritual. If the formal photograph honours the Omni, the framing of it bestows further importance. However, both the photography and the framing can be seen as human acts, and the framed photograph typical of a mass produced consumer product. One wonders about the role of such items within faith systems, and indeed how human influence may possibly play a part in that.


© GREIG CLIFFORD.
ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT LAWS.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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