IN THE DEEP

If you don’t know sadness, you can’t have deep thoughts

Depth is a multifaceted concept that goes far beyond the mere surface of things. It represents the ability to immerse oneself in the nuances of thought, to grasp emotions in all their complexity, and to seek out hidden meanings that elude a hurried glance. In thought and emotion, it manifests as the capacity to reflect intensely on what seems obvious, revealing new layers of meaning. It is an inner process that transforms everyday experiences into insights and heightened awareness. In art and knowledge, depth emerges when a work transcends the visible, inviting the viewer or reader to explore interior and symbolic realms where every detail becomes part of a larger, emotionally rich narrative. The perception of reality involves an approach to life in which every experience is an opportunity to discover subtle and unexpected connections, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. Ultimately, depth is a personal and collective journey of discovery, enriching our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, allowing us to partake in a dimension that extends beyond the surface.

For Giordano Bruno, height was depth, the abyss an inaccessible light, and darkness clarity. In highly creative individuals, depth is often a blend of intuition, sensitivity, and inner complexity—a trait that drives them to see beyond appearances, probing unexplored territories of the mind. This process leads to the transformation of emotions and ideas into artistic, literary, or conceptual forms, giving rise to expressions that transcend the everyday. Such individuals tend to live with intense emotional depth, perceiving subtle details that others might overlook. Their creativity is often fueled by a continuous inner dialogue—an unceasing exploration of the hidden meanings behind experiences and sensations. Imagination becomes a bridge between the real and the possible, generating works that do not merely represent but also evoke and transform, leaving profound traces in the perception of those who encounter them. There is also an element of conscious solitude, where creative depth thrives on introspection and moments of isolation—essential for refining thought and shaping new ideas. Profound thinkers and artists often find themselves suspended between their inner universe and external reality, crafting works that become true windows into broader dimensions of human perception, inviting observers to embark on a journey through emotions, symbols, and insights.

The inner complexity of poets is often what fuels their ability to write verses that deeply resonate with the reader. This complexity arises from emotional intensity, acute sensitivity, and the constant tension between reality and imagination. Many poets experience an amplified perception of the world, capturing nuances and contrasts that might go unnoticed by those who only see the surface. Poetry often emerges from an inner dialogue, where the poet explores their deepest thoughts, fears, and desires, seeking a language capable of shaping emotions that might otherwise seem ineffable. Many poets oscillate between moments of creative ecstasy and periods of dark introspection, where beauty coexists with melancholy and pain. Poetry can serve as a medium to transform personal experiences into something universal, allowing the poet to transcend individuality and engage in dialogue with time and history. Each poet creates their own world through words, experimenting with rhythm, sound, and imagery to evoke sensations beyond rational understanding. Poets like Fernando Pessoa, Sylvia Plath, Rainer Maria Rilke, and Alejandra Pizarnik have demonstrated immense inner depth in their writings, often translating unease and emotions into unforgettable poetic forms.

Some artists manage to fuse painting and poetry, creating a visual language infused with lyrical depth and evocative meanings. These artists demonstrate that expressive complexity knows no boundaries—the poetic thought can take shape on canvas just as it does on the page, forming parallel universes where image and word complement one another. Here are some examples of painters who have explored the poetic dimension through their art. One of the most famous examples of the fusion between painting and poetry is William Blake, who not only wrote visionary poetry but also accompanied his verses with symbolic illustrations, creating a mystical universe where words and images intertwine. The surrealist paintings of Leonora Carrington are imbued with a narrative and poetic dimension, incorporating mythological and dreamlike references; her writings and paintings share a common language of mystery and metamorphosis. Although best known for his poetry and theater, Federico García Lorca was also a painter; his graphic works convey the same emotional intensity and surrealism that characterize his verses. Poet, playwright, and painter Jean Cocteau blended words and images in a continuous quest for expressiveness. His paintings possess the same delicacy and poetic ambiguity as his writings. Besides being a renowned poet and writer, Gibran Khalil Gibran was an excellent painter, capable of transposing the same spirituality and sensitivity of his words into his artworks.

In his digital art, Dastilige Nevante also explores the synergy between painting and poetry, creating visual works that interact with his texts and become immersive experiences—seemingly tracing a metaphysical journey, a dialogue between the known and the unknown. His video “The Biggest Horizon”, for instance, evokes a sense of inner traversal, an exploration beyond visible boundaries. It suggests a transition toward new perceptions, a reflection on time, space, and memory. There is a call to creative solitude, where the interpreter confronts their own thoughts and sensations, surrendering to a contemplative immersion. The horizon becomes a metaphor for depth, possibility, and transformation—a meeting point between what has been and what is yet to come. Nevante is known for his ability to adapt his style to that of the great masters of painting. His work engages in a dialogue with the past, reimagining iconic pieces or drawing inspiration from them to create something new. He frequently employs earthy tones such as brown, sepia, and gray, evoking nature and spirituality. However, he also uses blue and green for landscapes and human figures, associating them with serenity and vitality. In mythological and ritual scenes, he incorporates red and orange to create striking contrasts. Through his distinctive style, Nevante creates paintings that connect to his poetry, reinforcing the interplay between visual and literary expression.

“IN THE DEPTHS: Swimming in the depths of her amber eyes, singing with all the strength of my most intimate life.”

Dastilige Nevante’s poetry is an immersion into a universe of deep and transcendent emotions. The image of surrendering within amber eyes evokes a love that is not merely contemplative but almost mystical—a sea that welcomes and envelops, where song becomes the soul’s most sincere manifestation. The choice of words is intense and rich in symbolism; the verses do not simply describe but guide the reader through a sensory and emotional journey. Particularly striking is the idea of “dark recesses where echoes die” and “fragile hope that does not fear fading.” These images convey a love that embraces the unknown, challenging time and currents. The rhythm flows gently yet solemnly, much like the movement of waves accompanying the narration. It is, therefore, a text that conveys emotions with strength and authenticity—a song in the depths that, like every sincere song, leaves an echo in the heart of those who read it.