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Salt + Sea, by Javiera Estrada

Salt + Sea, by Javiera Estrada

Javiera Estrada

Regular price $1,500.00 USD
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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

Multi-media artist Javiera Estrada was born in Acapulco,Mexico, in 1981 and emigrated to the United States in 1989. Javiera’s broad scope of work, which includes photography, mixed media, photograms, film, and textiles, is influenced by her memories of growing up in Acapulco—a tropical paradise of vibrant colors, steeped in spiritual ritual and magical realism.

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.

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.

Estrada has exhibited in the United States, Europe (London, Germany, Switzerland) and Singapore. In 2020, her solo show in Las Vegas received a Certificate of Special Congressional Commendation for the Arts from the United States Congress. Recently, she was commissioned to create a site-specific piece for the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. Estrada currently lives and works in Los Angeles.