Under Wraps

Compelled by one of nature’s most fascinating life cycles, Odiseo Vol. 11 explores the concept of metamorphosis through the lens of the ‘cocoon’. Like a seed that we plant, nourish and love, the notion itself gradually changed and swelled, evolving into the physical publication which you hold in your hands today. In this issue, we travel through a world of movement as well as stasis; we inhabit bodies and minds that open up into new forms or take refuge under the hardened scaffolding of old moulds; we listen to the voices of socialisation, passion and love; isolation, individualism and transformation.

Alice Schillaci

Alice Schillaci, together with the stylist Francesca Cefis, interprets a rare love affair in Stranizza d’Amuri, a cinematographic visual tale named after the Sicilian artist Franco Battiato’s song, which means Strangers of Love. The whole series creates tension, absurdity and moments of doubt which make the mind wander to the next scene. There is something disturbing about the narrative. It arouses discomfort, somehow – and that’s exactly what we love about it. It draws parallels to the brutality, yet also the sophistication, of Michael Haneke’s Funny Games or Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange.

Tom Blesch and Jamie-Maree Shipton

Tom Blesch and Jamie-Maree Shipton flirt with the raw and the extraterrestrial in their series Pisces. They invited a group of interesting collaborators together, including the fashion designer Louis Alderson-Bythell who specializes in experimental matter. The dress worn in this photograph has exactly the sordidity and gooey texture that we imagine for the hatching of the “cocoon”. Working with experimental materials and body art opens up a myriad of possibilities and allows more space for alternative expressions and sensations.

Rebecca Scheinberg

The photographer and set designer Rebecca Scheinberg portrays sublime objects in transformation in Yoke, Honey, Hump. The ovular objects, inspired by Story of the Eye by Georges Bataille, evoke darkness, quiescence, warmth, liquidity, sensuality and sordidness. The impeccable execution together with both the perfection and imperfection of each totem creates exactly the tactile and textural scenery we wanted. It’s always interesting to work with still life, and see how you can trigger the mind and desire through objects and abstraction.

Rudi Geyser

Rudi Geyser captures the relationship between the self and nature in The Dance. We found Rudi’s work when looking for travel photographers and, delighted, we loved his different approach. The textures, colours and light beautifully encapsulates the dreamscape. Every frame evokes a feeling of authenticity, as part of the story and in terms of Rudi’s vision. They work perfectly alone and placed together as an illusory scenario.

Alexandre Haefeli

Alexandre Haefeli dedicates his visual essay to a hazy era, together with the stylist Oriana Tundo who has a penchant for the glamourous vintage. The delicacy and simplicity, yet playfulness in these images evoke memories of old sleepwear catalogues – wrapped up as a seductive day-dream.


Odiseo is published by The Flames, and designed by Barcelona-based Folch Studio. Find out more here.