D M, Bodyscapes (ART 2025)

Exploring the profound connection between the human form and nature, these diptychs highlight the striking similarities between our bodies and trees. This juxtaposition not only raises awareness about the damage to our environment but also promotes body acceptance. Featured in my 2024 series Bodyscapes, these images delve into themes of identity and belonging, capturing a range of emotions including playfulness, pain, sarcasm and rage. The creative process involved anthropomorphism—the psychological tendency to attribute human characteristics to inanimate objects or nature, whether consciously or unconsciously. This instinct arises from our need to fill a void of loneliness and gain a sense of control, helping us make sense of the world around us. It fosters empathy and connection. Through this technique, the diptychs invite viewers to engage with the emotional depth of my work and explore its deeper meaning. A pivotal shift in the creation of these pieces was moving away from literal depictions of the subjects toward more abstract representations. The close-up marks and torn bark allowed for personal interpretation and discovery, while the manipulation of tone emphasized the shapes and textures, further highlighting their resemblance. This series reinforces the idea that separation is an illusion, illustrating the profound interconnectedness between humans and the natural world.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.