Ohr Lucé - OCULUS XXI, NGC 1976 The Orion Nebula III

The OCULUS series explores the concept of the eyes as a "window to the soul" and how personal views and life experiences shape our perception of art and society. The OCULUS I series incorporates 26 unique images (the culmination of two years of artwork development and research) and uses the "Oculus" concept/metaphor to explore how individual perspectives impact how we perceive art and society, as each image and individual's reaction to it is unique.

The OCULUS series highlights how our personal views shape how we interpret and appreciate art, as every person brings their unique perspective and understanding to any artistic creation, making it a deeply personal and subjective experience.

Each artwork derives its name from an astrological body that mimics some key form, composition, or colour characteristic. Just as there are countless astrological phenomena, unexplored worlds and mysterious structures, the OCULUS "universe" of works embody this concept of world creation, mystery, and exploring the uncharted realms of human perception.

The artworks confront the viewer at once with the abstract and the vaguely familiar, each piece challenging us to question our own views and confront societal perceptions of reality as we view the work. Ohr Lucé aimed to shape our understanding of his visual language, symbology, and underlying themes (of micro-universe creation and emotional impact), recognising that personal views influence this interpretation. For example, someone with a deep appreciation for nature might find solace in an abstract work, while someone with a more urban perspective might appreciate the technical skill involved. The first Oculus series (one of three planned for the project) explores the impact of personal perception and reaction to art and society - how we view the world.

The series features images as shot (without digital manipulation), with external light sources, employing manual lens focus and aperture adjustment, without software manipulation or post-production enhancement.

The series explores the subtly of life in visual form while highlighting the natural world's diversity of colour and tone. Ohr Lucé's hope is that the series inspires viewers to consider the beauty of life and the evolution of personal perception over a lifetime of experiences. The OCULUS Series emphasise that perspective is not static or fixed but rather influenced by cultural context, personal experience, and beliefs.

The "OCULUS" serves as a mirror, reflecting the complexities and diversity of human experience, allowing us to see the world through our unique personal view. By embracing these perspectives, the artist seeks to foster inclusivity, understanding, and positive social change, resulting in a more vibrant world and society.