Umbra is best experienced in full screen with ample sound speakers or headphones.

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Umbra is a self-practice title sequence that revolves around a type of machine being assembled. This machine appears to have some kind of intelligence – perhaps artificial intelligence – as it has evolved to the point where it has began showing signs of self-awareness. The concept is based around the extremely interesting notion that is the shadow-self. When we dig deep into our subconscious and search for that isolated part, those impulses, behind that mask – it begs the questions:‍

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Are we really who we think we are?
Are we authentic?
Are we anything at all?

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I will start by saying that this was my final year project as a senior student at Staffordshire University. Up until the very beginning of the module I didn’t have the slightest clue of what I wanted to work on, until I did thorough exploring into what appears to be an ever-growing, ingenious, inspiring and beautiful community that is the world of visual artists. This project is largely inspired by the likes of Vitaly Bulgarov, Ash Thorp and Zaoeyo. They are amongst my favourite artists and credits are due. Other massive inspirations include Westworld’s intro, Blade Runner 2049 and Ghost in the Shell. The mech design is inspired by the character “No-Face” from Spirited Away (2001, dir. Hayao Miyazaki).

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I have spent an ungodly amount of time trying to decide what I wanted the storyline to be for this project and I have struggled a great deal with my inner voice as to which direction this should take. The idea of basing this piece on the shadow-self concept came to me when having a discussion with my brother, which I would also like to thank for his constant feedback and support throughout my journey.

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This is very much a metaphorical piece of work. We all dress up in fancy clothes and brands, cover ourselves with perfumes and expensive sneakers, make ourselves feel better by feeding our ego thinking we are special in this vast universe. But no matter how much we try to camouflage or hide our true identity, it will always survive in our subconscious.

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In a world that is more noisy and chaotic than it has ever been before, people have never been more confused as to who they’re meant to be. Thus, I genuinely believe we should all come to terms with our shadow-self and embrace it. Learn why we react the way that we do, and really try to understand the person that reflects us – not the person who other people expect us to be.

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Be authentic. Be true. Be you.

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All aspects by Nickoloui