Through the lens of a camera, bird droppings can turn into a universe and a puddle can become a golden grail, at least according to photographers Katrin Koenning and Sarker Protick.

Using their mobile phones, the two artists regularly document the ordinary things that catch their eye—tree branches, exit signs, and even bird poop—in enchanting ways that elevate the mundane to the metaphysical. Oftentimes, the original subject is transformed beyond recognition into a glowing, cosmic display. Viewers are left feeling like they’ve journeyed through time and wondering “What is that?” “Where am I?” and “How can I get here again?”

Koenning and Protick practice photography independently and thousands of miles apart from one another—Koenning is based in Australia and Protick