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El Matador, by Javiera Estrada

El Matador, by Javiera Estrada

Javiera Estrada

Regular price $1,850.00 USD
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Every piece is made to order, and is printed only by carefully selected labs on museum-grade archival papers that will stand the test of time. Please reach out with any questions, we're here to help!

Limited Edition of 7

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Shot on film with a medium format camera-Hasselblad. All prints are archival silver gelatin prints. Signature on the back unless otherwise requested.

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— a place where her spirit can run free. The sand and rocks are representative of the harsh cultural environment, while the water demonstrates the more “fluid” nature of women.
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 a balance between the two parallel worlds. In addition, the latter polarity is symbolic of the division between our current social and monetary disparity between men and women and specifically, African American women. Historically, African American women are rarely photographed on sand or sea due to the racial bias atmosphere and fear instilled by their oppressors. This fear not only disempowers but suppresses a huge demographic of women in our country.

At the same time, the ocean's multi-faceted cycle has often been likened to the female temperament; a great force. Therefore, it is 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.

*Please note, as the edition gets scarce, the price is subject to increase.

Javiera Estrada

Javiera Estrada, a multi-media artist born in Acapulco, Mexico in 1981, and later immigrating to the United States in 1989, showcases a diverse body of work spanning photography, mixed media, photograms, film, and textiles. Influenced by her childhood memories of Acapulco—a vibrant tropical paradise steeped in spiritual ritual and magical realism—Estrada's artistic endeavors delve into the intersection of reality and spirituality. Estrada’s mystical affinity for bridging the gap between the conscious landscape of reality and the subconscious world of the spiritual can be seen throughout her work. Philosophically, Estrada rejects Cartesian dualism and its compartmentalization of the whole, embracing a worldview of interconnectivity and unity consciousness. Artistically, she seeks to unify the mundane and the sacred. Javiera examines the theme of interconnected consciousness in a multitude of ways. From incorporating female bodies as sculptural forms in organic communion with nature, to creating galactic primordial environments with inks—fluid and formless, structures representing the “prima materia,” original essence of existence. The juxtaposition of shadow and light play a recurring role in Estrada’s explorations as well, representing the internal struggle between the spiritual and the physical.  Javiera examines the theme of interconnected consciousness in a multitude of ways. From incorporating female bodies as sculptural forms in organic communion with nature, to creating galactic primordial environments with inks—fluid and formless, structures representing the “prima materia,” original essence of existence. The juxtaposition of shadow and light play a recurring role in Estrada’s explorations as well, representing the internal struggle between the spiritual and the physical. Estrada describes her artistic process as both frenzied and laborious. The work is multi-layered and time-consuming, a technique she sees as inducing presence, while moving away from the high-speed nature of the digital age. The initial messy, chaotic stage of unknowing is essential to Estrada’s process, as it allows for connection with the deeper, subconscious elements wanting to emerge through the work.   Currently residing and working in Los Angeles, Javiera Estrada continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening through her evocative creations.