# Surreal Conceptual Photography Øystein Aspelund Explores the Connection Between Reality & Dreams By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-05-07 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-conceptual-photography References: [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/gallery/61974747/HIBERNATION-IV) & [oysteinaspelund](http://oysteinaspelund.com/) In a personal project that focuses on the mysteries of the human consciousness, Norway-based creative Øystein Aspelund showcases his skills and mastery of the lens with a surreal conceptual photography series. The images share an aesthetic that can be both identified as incredibly mysterious and dreadfully ominous. Øystein Aspelund draws inspiration from a number of subjects and locations, attempting to define the characteristics and methods of the subconsciousness and to visually represent the uncertainty of the state that comes with reality. The surreal conceptual photography series is meant to strike an ambiguous balance between truth and fiction. In the images, Øystein Aspelund attempts to capture small increments of time that reveal a direct correlation between daily realities and subconscious thought. Titled HIBERNATION IV, the series shows "man and his [relationship to the landscape](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-landscape) as an investigative tool." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Surreal Conceptual Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new ways of using technology to create surreal and thought-provoking images. - **Mysteries of Human Consciousness:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop tools or platforms that help users explore and understand the subconscious mind. - **Balance Between Truth and Fiction:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create platforms or experiences that challenge our perception of reality. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build AI-assisted cameras or editing software that enhance the creation of surreal and conceptual images. - **Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop virtual or augmented reality experiences that allow users to immerse themselves in surreal and dream-like environments. - **Mental Health:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create apps or services that help individuals explore and analyze their subconscious thoughts and emotions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-allusion.md) - [Material-Accented Dreamscape Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreamscape-exhibit.md) - [Surrealist Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreams-is.md) - [Immersive Light Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/psychoacoustic-light-ensemble.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Social Experiment Virtual Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncanny-spaces.md) - [Abstract Fantasy Home Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abstract-fantasy-home.md)