Surrealscapes was inspired, in part, by photographer, Anne Brigman, whose images explored the idea of ecofeminism. Brigman’s work, which was unconventional for the time (1890’s), depicted nude women as mother earth or fairy-like creatures dramatically posed in a natural landscape. Brigman’s work suggested bohemianism and female liberation and was heavily influenced by the connection between women and the earth. It was Brigman’s sole concern to depict the oneness of woman and nature.
Very much like Brigman, my images do play on the connection between women and the earth. But, while Brigman’s images depicted a mythological or dream-like fairytale in a hopeful manner, my work examines the darker side that the devaluation of women and nature produce. My work chooses to face the issue of duel degradation head-on, offering viewers a grim outtake of what is to come if we continue on this path. So often, women are treated as our environment is treated; without respect and without regard for their needs. How long will it take before we are living in an environmental wasteland of women?
You eat the earth without regret, without regard for her. You treat her as one would treat a cheating lover. Forget her beauty. Forget her graciousness. Forget her ability to give selflessly. Forget her. Use her like she will be there forever. Use her like she means nothing. Use her like she is a whore. Use her. Abuse her. Consume her without regret. No need to reach for her. She submits. She takes your abuse. Sometimes it looks like she enjoys it. You assume she will always be there. You assume she’s yours alone. You assume she cannot fight back. You mistake her calm for weakness. But one day you will feel her wrath. You will feel how wrong you were. You will feel regret. You will feel shame. You will feel like the whore.
“There She Goes Again, Unnatural Annihilation”
“Untitled (with Deer Skulls)”
“Untitled (with Boar Head)”
“Blasphemy Rules the World in White Dresses”
