In Whispers of the Sacred Trees, Merel Galestian explores the quiet strength and timeless beauty hidden deep within the forest. Through subtle digital editing and carefully selected colour tones, each photograph becomes an intimate meditation on nature’s silent resilience and tranquil presence. These artworks offer viewers moments of serenity, inviting reflection and fostering a sense of harmony between the human spirit and the natural world.

Inspired by the refined aesthetics of Japanese art movements such as Rinpa and Ukiyo-e, Galestian draws upon their poetic symbolism and contemplative use of colour and composition. Inspired by the elegance and spiritual depth found in traditional Japanese gold-leaf paintings and woodblock prints, her works evoke a feeling of ephemeral beauty and quiet reverence. The series portrays trees as sacred beings, gently reminding us of our profound connection to nature’s delicate balance.