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Final: Emotions in the Body

Artist Statement:

"Emotions in the Body" is a surreal photo series that visualizes how emotions manifest physically and psychologically. Through six distinct photomontages, I explored Anxiety, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Calm, and Hope. Each piece uses the human body as a canvas combined with symbolic elements like cracks, plants, light, and other textures to express the hidden or often invisible ways emotions shape us. Inspired by my own experiences, the series reflects the complexity, pain, growth, and resilience found in emotional identity.

I chose surrealism as the style to emphasize transformation and symbolism. Each image layers at least three photographs or elements: the base photo of a body part or figure, symbolic imagery, and atmospheric overlays. For example, in "Anxiety," a lifted heel bears cracks and a thorned vine while lava glows underneath, representing internal pressure and struggle. "Joy" shows an open hand releasing flowers that transform into butterflies, symbolizing growth and freedom. "Sadness" combines a hunched figure with a lake and an unused lifesaver, expressing emotional isolation despite the presence of help. "Anger" uses a clenched fist with glowing cracks and fiery sparks, symbolizing intense pressure and breaking points. Each montage was carefully composed and edited using blend modes, layer masks, and color grading to unify the visuals and tone.

This project became both a creative and personal exploration. While creating the series, I reflected not only on emotional struggles but also on the positive forces that have carried me forward. "Calm" shows a figure resting beneath a canyon, with a surreal cascade of sparkling light flowing down, symbolizing peace and stillness. "Hope" features a cracked hand nurturing new plant growth, representing resilience and the emergence of strength from hardship. By visualizing these emotions, I aimed to show that even in moments of fracture and adversity, there is beauty, resilience, and the potential for healing.

Anxiety

Joy

Sadness

Anger

Calm

Hope

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Art Event

Visiting the When You See Me: Visibility in Contemporary Art/History exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art honestly felt like coming home. I grew up going to the DMA, and this show made me reflect on how much art has shaped my childhood and how I see the world. The pieces in this exhibition are bold, personal, and rich in meaning; every single work radiates a different kind of truth. What I loved most was how the exhibit focused on presence and visibility, especially for artists who’ve often been excluded from mainstream art narratives. There was such a range of emotions and techniques, but all the works felt deeply rooted in identity, memory, and resistance.

One piece that instantly drew me in was lick your teeth, they so clutch by Rachel Jones. It’s this massive, color-drenched canvas that kind of bursts off the wall with movement and intensity. The smaller painting next to it felt like a deliberate contrast, a quieter echo, maybe? The large flower-like form made me think of childhood drawings; but pushed to the extreme with aggressive mark-making and color layers that almost vibrate. It felt joyful and chaotic, but also personal. The texture was wild, you could almost feel the oil stick and pastel smudges just by looking. I think Jones was channeling something internal here. Maybe emotions or memories that are too big for words.

Another favorite was I may never be what you want by Michaela Yearwood-Dan. The swirling greens and pinks reminded me of a koi fish pond, or light reflecting off water. It had this dreamlike quality that felt alive and constantly shifting. The piece was almost like a dance between colors. It looked abstract at first, but the more I stared at it, the more intentional the curves and brushstrokes felt. It made me think about identity and how it can’t be contained or clearly defined, just like the title suggests. There’s something soft but powerful in how she created space with pastel shades and negative space.

The last piece I want to highlight is The Ascendants XVIII (She Is Here And So Are You) by Wangari Mathenge. It shows a woman (the artist herself) seated at a vanity, looking down at us while holding a book. Her gaze is piercing, like she’s sizing up the viewer, or silently questioning our presence. The colors are stunning, with saturated reds and greens, and intricate patterns on her dress that reference diasporic culture. The pink teddy bear on the vanity stood out to me. It was like a symbol of softness or vulnerability, tucked in an otherwise commanding image. Mathenge captures that duality so well, strength and tenderness coexisting. That’s what this whole exhibit felt like to me: a space for contradiction, reflection, and truth-telling through photos, paintings, and new media.

Screenshot of my general admission ticket for the DMA visit on April 12th.

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GIFs

Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

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Midterm Project: Alternate Reality

"Rewriting Fate"

In this series, I explore the tension between fate and free will, using surrealism to convey the idea of rewriting one’s own narrative. Each photograph represents a different facet of this journey, with distorted perspectives and surreal compositions to illustrate the complexities of self-determination.

"Journey in the Zen Garden"

This image blends a Zen sand garden with a man trekking through exaggerated sand dunes. The oversized stork in the scene emphasizes how small challenges can feel overwhelming. I used distortion and perspective techniques to create a dreamlike effect, reflecting the isolation and struggles of personal journeys.

"God's Plan"

A bookshelf houses various versions of my life, with one version clearer than the others. Blurred hands reach for different books, symbolizing the many paths one could take. I employed opacity adjustments and layering to create depth, representing the fluidity of fate and the possibility of changing one’s story.

"Floating Pen"

Here, I combine a landscape shot with the surreal concept of a floating pen. The pen, not held by my hand, writes “I take the pen now,” representing the act of taking control of one’s narrative. I used the clone stamp tool to erase parts of the text and create the illusion of a floating pen, reinforcing the theme of personal empowerment.

"Window to My Future"

“Window to My Future” In this composition, I hold a frame that contains an infinite loop of winding roads. The nested images represent the ongoing journey of self-discovery. I used layering and perspective distortion to create a sense of depth and infinite possibility, symbolizing how our choices continue to shape our future.

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Throughout these compositions, I utilized various Photoshop tools—such as blending modes, opacity adjustments, and the stamp tool, to create surreal visuals that reflect the complexities of navigating life. The series as a whole speaks to the power of rewriting one’s fate, with each image illustrating a different step in that process.

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Photo Specs

My personal photos were shot using an Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. The one picture with the clouds was shot on an Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

The three pictures I used that do not belong to me are:

Pen

Man Treking

Winding Road

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Reading #3: AI & Photography

"The Intro"

AI is the least trusted yet most desired acronym at the moment. Short for Artificial Intelligence, it is an expansive technological innovation that 'was built from the collective unconscious' and is everywhere (Eldagsen). While my relationship with AI began with hesitation, it has now become a tool I rely on. However, I do not use it in my photography. I prefer to capture and edit my images manually, as I value the hands-on creative process. This is partly because I have yet to figure out how to use AI effectively in Photoshop, but also because I don’t want to over-rely on it. Developing the skills to create and edit organically still feels necessary to me.

"My Stance"

AI is already affecting and changing photography in ways we may not fully perceive. Through Laurie Simmons, we see that hesitancy to embrace the technology is not a widely held view. Simmons incorporates AI into her photography simply because “it exists,” and she is not alone in this mindset (Aperture). However, as AI is still a relatively new concept, there is a “lack of structure or accountability,” a concern I share (Aperture). The idea of doing something just because it’s possible can be a slippery slope if there is no clear plan or strategy behind it. In this regard, I resonate more with Justin Tedford’s perspective on the integration of AI into photography and its implications for creatives. Diving into the unknown can be risky, but spending time to learn, experiment, and utilize AI thoughtfully is more likely to lead to better outcomes. As Tedford questions, “Will you be the one who closes your eyes wishing for AI to disappear, or will you embrace it and adapt your skills and business model to the changing landscape?”

"References"

Fstoppers: Justin Tedford

The Guardian: Boris Eldagsen

Aperture

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Blog: Surrealism

Surrealism is about letting go and creating without logical or worldly boundaries. As André Breton stated in The Manifesto of Surrealism, the movement that emerged in the 1920s encapsulated "psychic automatism in its pure state … in the absence of any control exercised by reason, exempt from any aesthetic or moral concern." I vividly remember learning about Salvador Dalí in middle school. His art provoked thought and questioning, besides just being technically impressive. His dreamlike imagery and bizarre compositions challenged the way I viewed art, making me realize that creativity didn’t have to follow rules. Surrealism, in general, has helped me embrace the freedom of expression, allowing me to let go of my need for perfectionism and the frustration that comes when things don’t turn out exactly as I envisioned.

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Blog #6: Photomontage

1. Concept

My photomontage explores identity, memory, and the tension between freedom and attachment. The cardinal is central, symbolizing ancestral protection and the comfort of the past. My grandmother’s story about cardinals watching over me became something I chose to believe, and they still bring me a sense of grounding.

The background, a 2019 photo from Washington state, represents nature as my place of clarity and freedom. In contrast, the grayscale map and car screen symbolize my complicated relationship with home, not just a location, but a mix of love, pain, and memory. Overlapping distorted lights, resembling an oil spill, convey this emotional murkiness.

The yellow Post-it note, written by my brother during a painful time, is held by the cardinal as a reminder that love prevails through hardship. The hawk, half in grayscale, represents my childhood dream of soaring freely but also my fear of leaving behind what’s familiar. The piece as a whole reflects the push and pull of identity, between past and future, comfort and independence.

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2. The Technicalities

I used layer masks and blending modes to merge the different elements smoothly, adjusting opacity to create depth. Selective color adjustments helped contrast the warmth of the cardinal with the muted tones of "home" and uncertainty. The oil-spill effect was layered using blending modes to add texture and emotional weight.

Balancing multiple elements without overwhelming the image was a challenge. I wanted everything to look purposeful and struggled a little with letting go of the idea of perfection. Layer masks also posed some difficulties but with trial and error it all worked out.

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Image Details:

Hawk Image - Sourced from animalofthings.com

All other images are mine.

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Reading #2: DADA & Photomontage

Dada was an art movement born during WWI by creatives who sought refuge in Switzerland. Rejecting logic and tradition, it embraced senselessness and spontaneity. As André Breton stated, "Dada is a state of mind” (Curious Muses). At its core, Dada united artists opposed to the war, using alternative art to express their disillusionment with the world. It was, as Dea Cvetkovic described, "anti-everything—anti-war, anti-bourgeois, anti-nationalist," a statement of unconventional rebellion (Curious Muses).

Dadaists expressed their defiance through unorthodox methods. Hannah Höch crafted intricate photo collages embedded with political messages (SmartHistory), while Marcel Duchamp redefined art by framing everyday objects, like urinals, as statement pieces without alteration (Shawn Grenier). Dada had no limits. Its only rule was to challenge conventions and question establishments.

Though Dada eventually gave way to surrealism, its influence remains undeniable. Its spirit lives on in Banksy’s work, concept art, and even performance. I believe Dada is instinctively in many artists’ blood, a natural push against norms and a drive to question the world.

Videos Referenced:

Dadaism in 8 Minutes: Can Everything Be Art? 🤔 - Curious Muses

Hannah Höch, Cut with the Kitchen Knife - Smarthistory

What is Dada? - Shawn Grenier | The Canvas

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Blog #5: Visualizing Identity

Resilience & Hope

Dandelions represent hope and rebirth. This picture showcases them in all of their stages; the indestructible weeds, the fond childhood memories, and the pretty flower that makes you forget its 'ugly' origins. They persist and resist through the toughest conditions, and continue to bloom and serve a purpose (despite what some may think). The resilience they show is an inspiration to me and is something I do see in myself. I have gone through multiple difficult, personal, and vulnerable moments. There have also been many moments when I felt like it was difficult to just 'be.' However, I am here right now continuing on, fighting, and staying hopeful.

... I will also add that dandelions became even more special to me because of The Hunger Games. "I saw the dandelion and I knew hope wasn't lost..." (Chapter 4). Katniss continued to attribute hope, love and protection to the dandelion, and I chose to do the same.

2. Spirituality & Family

Cardinals would sit and sing outside my nursery window when I was a baby. They were loved ones who had passed, some ancestors from way back, and they came together to watch over me and sing me llulabies.

At least that is the story my Grandma always tells me. Whether it is true or not, I have chosen to believe it.

I took this picture today. Cardinals still show up and perch on our trees, and I still feel the comfort and protection of my ancestors and loved ones looking over me. To make it even sweeter, it is a Cardinal couple that always stops by. I took some pictures of the female too. Hopefully, I will get to share them soon!

3. Knowledge & Awareness

What we read has the power to shape, empower, teach, and provide hope. When times are tough, or it feels like the clock is ticking and you don't know what to do, books are a great place to turn to. I read to remember, understand, and grow. This is where I am at right now, given the state of the world... There is a reason some books are banned and some are under consideration...

Picture Details!

All were taken using a Canon EOS Rebel T7i.

Image 1: ISO 100, f7.1, 1/125s

Image 2: ISO 1000, f 5.6, 1/800s

Image 3: ISO 3200, f4, 1/60s

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Blog #4: Paying Attention to Light

☀︎ Morning:

Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

✴︎ Midday:

Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

✶ Evening:

Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max

◉ Observations:

First, I would like to start off by acknowledging how much the quality of these pictures suffered through the saving and uploading process. I tried trouble-shooting with no luck, but hopefully y'all get an idea of what could have been.

One of the main things I noticed when sorting through the hundreds of shots of this singular chair, was how the color temperature progressed throughout the day. The pictures start off with a warmer hue and transition to cooler tones in the evening.

While the chair never changed from take to take, the shadows changing, appearing, and disappearing did affect the overall tone.

Out of the three images, I gravitate more towards the Midday one. The colors are more vibrant, the shadows add character, and it overall looks more inviting (to me).

Paying attention to the light to this extent was fun and interesting. I might just start doing it randomly here and there!

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Hello! My name is Jimena Murray and I am a senior set to graduate in May! I am excited to see what everyone posts, and to learn more about photography. The picture I selected was taken by me a couple of weeks ago when we got snow. There is a forest that runs through my neighborhood, and my family and I decided to do a little hike since it looked so pretty. After a bit I decided to branch off on my own to explore and see if I could find anything cool. A couple of seconds later I noticed something that looked fluffy and orange off in the distance on a tree branch. I ran over to it, thinking it was an animal, only to be surprised to find exposed honey comb! I couldn’t believe it, since apparently it is super rare. But there it was! I snapped a couple of pictures and ran to find my family and show them.

This situation encapsulates everything I love about photography. It captures the experience of the photographer. It serves as documentation. And it becomes something to share with others. It helps create shared memories and experiences, and has served that purpose for as long as its been a thing.

I am still at awe at this picture. It is a great memory, and an awesome thing to share with others!