Hidden Within

'Hidden Wthin' is an experimental photographic series created through the use of crystallization of a photograph. The question that began this experiment was how will putting this photograph within an object change it? It was a conducted observation of a photograph being placed within a crystal solution for a period of seven days which would grow and change, all the while documenting the process, and photographing the final product. 

This series revolves around feministic themes such as the female body and society’s restraint on what is acceptable beauty. This was especially important because the photo used for the experiment was of my own body and the subject matter focused on the stigma against stretch marks. So after conducting the two experiments, the object was brought back to the body. 

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The white crystal symbolizes how society encases individual bodies into a false, blurred perception of how bodies are supposed to look like. The cracked purple crystal symbolizes the acceptance of imperfections and flaws of one's own body, breaking boundaries and choosing to be different. 

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Through research that was conducted throughout this series I was able to find a whole new meaning to the experiment. When looking at the crystallised photograph, I see it as a representation of how society’s views, standards and pursuit of perfection can affect an individual mentally, physically, and haze our own perception of our own bodies and what they truly represent and reveal. I believe breaking away from the crystal, breaking through that barrier, shows acceptance of our own bodies, what stories they have to tell and abandon the unrealistic standards placed upon us.