“Premature”
“Premature” reflects how her premature birth has affected her mental and physical state, subconsciously and consciously. When she was born three-and-a-half months early, at one pound-nine ounces, her left lung collapsed. Through these photos, she exposes some of the most vulnerable parts of her identity. The images of the scars from her lung collapsing and her to scale hospital clothes, take viewers through the triumphant beginning of her life. Her birth was a traumatic experience for her family, almost losing her life and her mother’s in the process. This self-reflection is embodied through her ongoing project.
“Two Sided Sword”
This photography series is a collection of nine medium format, black and white fiber prints. The body of work was inspired by her art history interest, specifically with the medieval ages and nineteenth century depictions. She has always had a fascination with medieval history, fantasy and all things donned ‘magical’. The images are all black and white darkroom prints, printed from six by six medium format film.
The two models in the series are portrayed as powerful individuals, vying for dominance within their relationship. The series is a commentary on the power dynamic between men and women in history, and how that has been skewered typically male centered. These images challenge the typical depictions of women in history, with her in control of the sword equally, if not more than him. The images are posed, with theatrical moments. The sword is a replica of Excalibur, the sword of legend from King Arthur; said to have been a magical weapon and a symbol of peace. The sword is continued across each photograph, as a symbol of shifting power and peace between the two figures through movements. The series ends with a cliffhanger image; the woman is captured mid-plunge of the sword into the King’s back. This propels the viewers to finish the ending of the series on their own; Does the Queen keep her power? Does she spare the King in the end? The conclusion forces viewers to form their own resolution of the narrative; to examine their own subconscious stereotypical roles for men and women, and how they may influence the outcome.
