Selected Pictures
Selected for Ethereal Magazine's 2nd Print "Element"
“Mother nature’s daughter fights her way through His country” invites the audience to question the concept of what ‘natural’ is, the boundaries of wild vs. conquered spaces, and the role of identity. Inspired by sociological theories from Erving Goffman, this series delves into the idea that our daily presentation of self is a performance. We create different impressions in everyday life for the benefit of ourselves and our audience. The audience of this performance isn’t necessarily a physical one, but comprises societal pressures that one feels daily, a camera constantly watching for a misstep. Women and nature historically have been seen as passive, something to be conquered. Mother nature itself is a feminine personification of nature. In this photo series, lighting takes center stage, shaping the meaning of identity and what is natural vs. contrived. The stark flashes in many photos mimic spotlights, emphasizing the performative nature of existence. Draped in modest attire with youthful braids adorned in lace, this performance epitomizes femininity as society traditionally perceives it: modesty, innocence, youth, pureness, & submissiveness. An unnatural position within the ‘natural,’ this series also prompts the audience to contemplate the role of humans within nature. Why does a human’s interaction with nature make that nature seem less natural, when that’s not true for other species? How do we perceive nature when it is ‘wild’ vs. a place that we’ve settled, something that we can control? Amidst the fight against heteronormative male spaces and the weight of societal expectations, the path to progress is never linear. In this photo series, the audience is encouraged to reflect on the influence society wields over the concepts of femininity and nature, and the associated connotations. With these questions in mind, we explore the complex interplay between identity, society, and the natural world, inviting viewers to engage in a deeper dialogue on these timeless themes.
Alternative / Additional Photos
