Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Woman, Sand + Sea

SALT + SEAis a homologous study between the feminine form and the complex ecology of the ocean and it's surrounding environment. Our planetary bodies of water are known to be affected by the lunar cycles. The changing moon is particularly associated with women because its regular twenty-eight day cycle so closely matches the cycle of menstruation, intertwining blood and water. In addition, SALT is another vital elementand has also beenreferred to as female in numerous cultures and mythologies and has strong healing properties. In SALT + SEA the artist is placing the women back in their natural habitats, where their innate essence is roused, narrowing the gap between societies hackneyed constructs and the unfailing honesty of the nude form where her spirit can run free. The juxtaposition of black and white is representative of the sun which is Light or Life and the moon, DEATH, a mirror that reflects the light. Both are essential in creating balance between the two parallel worlds.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2015
Date Uploaded: 10.2017
Photo Location: Malibu, California, United States of America
Copyright: © javiera estrada