Dor. — A Visual Odyssey is a photographic work developed as part of an undergraduate thesis in 2024. The project brings together collected and found imagery to explore themes of memory, identity, and cultural belonging through the lens of Romanian heritage.

Viewing and archiving collected photographs allows us to open a window into bygone times and explore the past. Not only does it allow us to record history, but also to explore individual and collective identity. This work delves into the role of photography in shaping identity, preserving and evoking memories, and reflecting cultural heritage. It examines the significance of photographic keepsakes and the emotional attachment that drives people to collect photographs. Particular attention is paid to exploring the influence of culture on photographic representation by analyzing how it shapes collections, influences their interpretation, and gives meaning to the images.

By using archival material from different sources, this work constructs a narrative centered around Romanian culture. It explores the relationship between individual and collective identity and examines how Romanian culture is represented in photography. By interpreting photography as a cultural artifact, this work provides insights into the complex interaction between photography, memory, and cultural heritage. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the power and significance of visual representation within our lives.

This work exists in four hand-sewn copies, one of which was exhibited at the Dortmunder U during the f² Fotofestival.