Ilan Derech’s work explores the intricate relationship between memory, emotions, and time, seeking to distill the ephemeral nature of existence. Through moving images, he captures fleeting moments where presence and absence converge, creating atmospheric, contemplative pieces that prioritize emotional resonance over narrative.

At the heart of his practice lies wa (和), harmonious balance, akin to the delicate cascade of sakura petals in the wind.

Ma (間), empty space, the profound silence between moments, is reflected in the hushed beauty of snow falling upon an empty shrine, embodying the space where meaning is found.

Wabi-sabi (侘寂), imperfect beauty, permeates not only his visual work but also his methodology, embracing the unpredictable surprises of expired film as integral parts of his creative process. Nostalgia runs as a quiet undercurrent throughout, not as sentimentality, but as a recognition of the transitory nature of time.

In his fusion of analog and digital media, Ilan’s works act as visual haikus, distilling emotional depth into intimate, open spaces. His art becomes a meditation: a moment to pause, reflect, and dwell in the transient spaces that separate one moment from the next.

Drawing from both traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary cinematic exploration, Ilan’s pieces offer a path to reconnect with the present, embracing the fragile beauty of impermanence.

Through his work, Ilan invites viewers to be present in the moment, to savor the ephemeral beauty of life, and to experience time not as linear but as a series of interconnected, fragile moments, each holding its own profound sense of meaning.