What is the element that simply catches one’s thoughts in a photograph? In Sasha Elage’s pieces, that element appears to be a feeling that somewhat and somehow, you have been already there – lived in the very fascinating moment when it was being taken and now you are a part of the story being told.

Born in 1980, Leningrad, the artist was raised between Lebanon and Russia by his Russian-Estonian mother and Lebanese father. According to Elage, his work has no literary or transcendental significance. The aesthetic elements, however, are crucial to elaborate – Optical trickery and inventive minimalism combined, his pieces contrast with traditional iconography.

What makes all of it more out there, is that Elage proudly applies no corrective methods to his photography. There is no editing process afterward: “It’s all straight from the camera”. These pictures are put directly to the viewer’s perspective without any digital manipulation or retouching. So we as gazers, end up with places and moments that are naturally but uniquely captured.

For more of his work check out his website and Instagram profile.