Arcadia
A documentary-led visual project centred on community, place, and shared experience. Arcadia exists at the intersection of culture and everyday life, where stories emerge through people rather than presentation. The visual language needed to feel honest, observational, and unforced, allowing moments to unfold naturally.
Deliverables
Art direction
Documentary film
Photography
Visual storytelling
Visual storytelling
Date
2025
Client
Rafael Mendes
Industry
Culture / Community
To introduce the project, Arcadia was presented through a series of documentary-focused films and stills capturing real interactions and lived moments. Image and motion were used to observe rather than direct, creating a visual narrative that feels intimate, grounded, and reflective of its environment.
Founded around the idea of preserving local stories and shared spaces, Arcadia required an approach rooted in trust and presence. The project explored how subtle framing, natural light, and restrained pacing could support authentic storytelling. Through a patient and considered process, the work allows people and place to remain central, resulting in imagery that feels sincere, textured, and quietly powerful.
" The process prioritised listening and observation, creating space for genuine moments to surface. The final work reflects a sense of closeness and respect, capturing stories in a way that feels truthful and lasting.
Rafael Mendes
Project Lead, Arcadia