Shipped Wrecked Photograph by Javiera Estrada

Photography: Black & White, film, Photo on Paper.

20 x 20 Limited Edition of 25 + 2AP
27 x 27 Limited Edition of 7 + 2AP
40 x 40 Limited Edition of 5 + 2AP
48 x 48 Limited Edition of 3 + 2AP


Archival Silver Gelatin Print


In Salt + Sea, the artist intentionally places women in their most vulnerable form—naked— back into a natural environment in order to display their strength against the elements. The interaction between the two forces narrows the gap between society’s hackneyed constructs of women’s place in society and the unfailing honesty of the nude form where her spirit can run free. The sand and rocks are representative of the harsh political environment, while the water demonstrates the more “fluid” nature of women.
In addition, the division between the latter symbolizes our current social and monetary disparity between women and men, and specifically, African American women. African American women are rarely seen on sand or sea due to the old paradigms of fear instilled by their ancestors. This fear not only disempowers but suppresses a huge demographic of women in our country, thereby continuing the justification of incapability.
Simultaneously, the ocean's multi-faceted cycle has often been likened to the female temperament; a great force to be reckoned with. Therefore it’s no surprise that salt, a vital element of the sea, has been referred to as feminine in numerous cultural mythologies as well as embodying healing properties. Thus, it is imperative that we view women as the “salt” of our communities, the essential element needed in healing this antiquated imbalance.