Rooted (jumps)

This series is an exploration of the relationship between nature and spirituality, as well as the delicate balance between life and death. The figures, half-women and half-roots, convey a sense of groundedness and rootedness in the earth, while their upward-facing heads and bodies suggest a striving towards something beyond the physical realm. They appear to be in a state of metamorphosis, with their bodies transforming into intricate root systems that ground them to the earth while also allowing them to transcend it. Their bodies are frozen in mid-motion, with some appearing to jump or levitate, while others are suspended in mid-air as if defying gravity itself.

The use of rough, thick leather-like skin on the figures adds a textural quality to the images and emphasizes the rootedness of the women’s bodies and a sense of toughness and resilience, even as they reach for the sky. At the same time, their delicate and elegant positions suggest a sense of lightness and grace. The surreal ambient and light in the artworks create an otherworldly atmosphere, further emphasizing the tension between the natural and spiritual worlds. The covering of the figures’ faces with roots also suggests a merging of the two realms, as if the women are becoming one with the earth. Despite the unsettling nature of the imagery, there is a sense of grace and elegance to each woman’s pose. Even as their bodies twist and contort, their movements are delicate and deliberate, lending an air of otherworldly beauty to the art.

The ambiguous nature of these artworks allows for multiple interpretations. One reading is that humans are rooted to the earth in essence, and are attempting to ascend to a higher spiritual plane. Another interpretation is that the jumps represent a transformation from life to death, with the roots symbolizing the earth and the ascent representing the spiritual realm. Finally, the tension between the natural and spiritual worlds can be seen as a commentary on our relationship to the environment, and our role as both caretakers and destroyers of the planet.

The atmosphere of each piece is ethereal and otherworldly, with a sense of the ephemeral permeating the scenes. The light and shadow are masterfully manipulated by the AI to create a dreamlike effect, further emphasizing the surreal nature of this type of art. Overall, “Rooted (jumps)” is a series of artworks that invites viewers to contemplate the complex relationship between nature and spirituality, and the constant struggle between life and death that shapes our existence.