The series of photomontages World of Feelings and Imagination, also published in book form in 1979, holds a special place in Rydet’s oeuvre. It is a metaphorical narrative of human life, alluding to the tradition of surrealism but told from an empathetic, feminist perspective. As the artist explained, the series “depicts humans in a precarious state from the time they are born—their obsessions, feelings, loneliness, desires and anxiety, for which there is no salvation but through love. It is a story about the tragedy of passing, fear of annihilation and destruction.” The series consists of several chapters named by the artists as follows: Landscapes, Birth, Motherhood, Expectations, Leavings, Behind the Wall of Life, Love, Sentimental Ballad, Extermination, Mannequins, Phantoms, Threat, Obsessions, Transformations, Hope.
All of the pictures used in the photomontages were taken by Rydet. The final prints were made by photographing maquettes – hand cut and paste compositions.
World of Feelings and Imagination. Motherhood, 1975–1979, gelatin silver print, 18.3 × 24 cm
World of Feelings and Imagination. Motherhood, 1975–1979, gelatin silver print, 27 × 20.3 cm
World of Feelings and Imagination. Motherhood, 1975–1979, gelatin silver print, 40 × 30 cm
World of Feelings and Imagination. Motherhood, 1975–1979, gelatin silver print, 18 × 23.9 cm