“My paradise is a dark forest, a place that instead of causing us fear, feels safe and intimate, prioritizing a sense of participation over observation,” states artist Melanie Schoeniger to introduce her recently self-published photobook “To Paradise”. The photobook is an immersive, sensory journey into her personal vision of paradise, one that diverges from traditional ideas of beauty or brightness. For Schoeniger, paradise exists within a dark forest, a place that – rather than invoking fear – invites intimacy and connection. She describes this forest as a space where the boundary between self and surroundings dissolves, fostering a sense of active participation rather than passive observation. This idea forms the core of her recently self-published photobook, which captures the paradoxical comfort of darkness and the peaceful unity found within it. The book itself is a carefully crafted object, with full-bleed photographs printed on black paper, creating a visual experience that resonates with Schoeniger’s theme. Bound using linen threads and beeswax, the tactile elements enhance the viewer’s engagement, embodying a natural, grounded feeling that complements the serene wilderness depicted in her images. Each page evokes a sense of immersion in an edenic space, where shadows and light blend seamlessly. These images serve as metaphors for a transcendent state of mind, symbolizing a journey toward wholeness and unity. Schoeniger’s work invites viewers to embrace darkness as a sanctuary, suggesting that paradise might lie in the acceptance of our innermost, hidden landscapes.

For me, it is about a life-sustaining future. About a culture inspired by and in accord with nature’s rhythmns. I consider it necessary to question every step of the process. Making choices that respect nature, more-than-human beings and future generations; and that reflect our interconnectedness.