My Dad died twice: the first time was four years ago when I received a call from my brother in Lebanon. He told me my Dad had passed away. I stayed in my room for three days, in shock.

The second time was when I went back home after six years and did not find him waiting for me at the airport, not sitting on the table with us, his bed, his television, his book and even his shop weren't there as they used to be. I realised that we didn't have a photo together.

My Dad left, and all he left me was a cloud.

For Ayman Kaake, sometimes imagination is better than reality. Born in Tripoli, Lebanon, Ayman moved to Australia in 2011 to study visual arts. Pursuing his creative vision led to diplomas in photo-imaging and visual arts from Melbourne Polytechnic, winning best conceptual folio with each. In 2014, his passion for cinema and photography eventually developed into a body of digital artworks, creating surreal images that delve into the dreamlike world of personal experiences, emotional turmoil, and the complexities of isolation that come with starting a new life in a new country.

Image courtesy of the artist.