Margeaux Bestard Portrait Submission LC

As humans living in community and cultivating intimate relationships, we often display our emotions for all to see. However, I have always been fascinated that, no matter how conspicuous we may be, we ultimately process our emotions alone, which can feel like one of the most solitary, isolating parts of feeling deeply. As an artist, I have always connected with photography as a medium of expressing my highs and lows. Through self-portraiture, still life, and portraiture I have found a cathartic way to communicate with others on a visceral level. Drawing inspiration from classical portraiture and art history, my intention with these images is to capture the symbolism inherent in every day objects and people. After processing difficult emotions such as loss or grief, there can be a moment of release and growth, similar to a rebirth. Letting go is is an affirmation of the cycle of emotions and the circle of life—birth to sumptuous life to decay to death.