These photos were never meant to be found.

“Shadows of the Archipelago: The Lost Negatives” is a haunting visual experiment that blends historical realism with sci-fi horror. Mimicking the aesthetic of early photography (daguerreotypes and wet plate collodion), this album presents a version of history that feels disturbingly real yet undeniably impossible.

It invites the viewer to act as an archaeologist, investigating scenes from a colonial past that has been “glitched” by the unknown.

The Unseen History

Curated by Fajri Petrucci, this collection explores the eerie silence of old photographs:

• The Anomalies: A mundane market scene is interrupted by a floating, glowing orb. A traditional dancer appears with unnatural, elongated features. A group of colonial explorers stands before a cave that shouldn’t exist.

• The Texture of Time: Every image is heavily processed to look aged. Scratches, dust, light leaks, and silver mirroring effects add a layer of authenticity, tricking the brain into believing these are genuine artifacts from the 1900s.

• Nusantara Gothic: The setting—banyan trees, colonial factories, and misty coastlines—evokes a specific mood of tropical mystery and isolation unique to the Indonesian Archipelago.

Restoring the Impossible

Powered by the Gemini Nano Banana engine, this series is a masterclass in “Texture Prompting.” It proves that AI can perfectly replicate the imperfections of analog media, creating a narrative that exists in the blur between history and folklore.

Visual Style & Prompt Insight

This series focuses on “Pseudo-Historical Photography,” utilizing prompts for specific antique film processes and horror/sci-fi elements.

Usage & Licensing

Free for personal inspiration, horror storytelling, and alternate history concepts. Visuals created using Gemini Nano Banana.