There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova
There is a branch in my shoulder. Maria Barakova

THERE IS A BRANCH IN MY SHOULDER

2023-2024

After going through a physically and emotionally abusive relationship, I lost touch with my body. I can no longer visualize it in my head, my reflection in the mirror feels alien. In this series, I reacquaint myself with my body in an attempt to reclaim my physical shell. I take self-portraits and scrutinize every picture, reassembling myself piece by piece. 

I turn to nature in search of parallel images. I compare my helplessness in a critical situation with its vulnerability. Nature, like me, cannot resist human atrocities in the moment, but always finds the strength to keep going. It inspires me to keep trying to build communication with myself and the world around me.