“Barriers” is a series exploring the manifestation of conflict through surreal imagery and symbolism.
The series is divided into 2 parts; the first half probes at internal conflict, using flames as its signifier throughout this set of images, and the 2nd half focuses on external conflict, using black smoke as its signifier.
The source of the fumes is never fully seen/understood in the images pertaining to external conflict, and the flames in the images about internal conflict block, surround, divide, or engulf figures entirely in their respective images.
The symbiotic relationship of flame and smoke was the perfect analogue to visually represent the ways in which these two modes of conflict feed off of one another, serving as markers for complications developing from within and beyond the individual.
