“Umbilicus Omphalos” is a photographic exploration of myth, fertility, and transformation. The series evokes primal archetypes of creation and divinity. The umbilicus symbolizes origin and nourishment, while the omphalos—the sacred navel of the world—suggests a spiritual axis, a point of connection between earth and cosmos. The stag, an ancient symbol of renewal, vitality, and transcendence, merges with the feminine form, embodying cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. Through these images, the series contemplates the sacredness of the body as a vessel of life and mystery, bridging the physical and the divine.
Observations and Reflections:
Symbolism of the Stag Mask – The mask transforms the model into a liminal figure, blending human and animal forms. This suggests themes of fertility, transformation, and primal instincts often associated with mythology and ritual. The stag, in particular, symbolizes vitality, renewal, and spiritual ascent.
Contrasts and Vulnerability – The nude figure emphasizes corporeality, softness, and fertility, juxtaposed with the stag mask’s hardness and abstraction. This contrast evokes a tension between human fragility and mythic power, echoing the balance of divine and earthly realms.
Background Art as Layers of Psyche – The collaged and painted elements create a psychological landscape—fragmented faces, architectural forms, and anatomical references. They hint at memory, mythology, and the subconscious, echoing Jungian archetypes and dreamscapes. The fish imagery may symbolize fertility, transformation, or primordial origins, adding to the mythic quality.
Organic and Woven Elements – Twisting wires and vines in the foreground resemble veins or roots, tying the model to the surrounding art. This suggests interconnectivity—between body and earth, present and past, physical and spiritual.
Fertility and Creation – The voluptuous body, combined with the surrounding art’s intricate patterns, hints at creation myths, cycles of birth and rebirth, and the body as a vessel of life and transformation.
Psychological and Spiritual Readings:
- The series evokes the idea of the sacred feminine, embracing themes of fecundity and goddess-like power.
- The mask and background art evoke ritualistic transformation, connecting the subject to archetypes of the wild, the divine, and the unknown.
- The fragmented and layered nature of the imagery mirrors psychological fragmentation and integration, inviting viewers to consider the interplay of the conscious and unconscious mind.
