'Ripe' is 1 of a 15-piece collection entitled 'American Beauty - Youth.' This collection is a symbolic representation of womanhood in its adolescence stage.
I was inspired by one of my favorite artists Robert Mapplethorpe when creating this collection. Robert Mapplethorpe, who might be known best for his provocative nudes & portraits, was also obsessed with photographing flowers. These floral still lifes would contain elements of eroticism that drew parallels to phallic imagery.
In my 15-piece collection, I wanted to juxtapose florals and female nudity to illustrate the beauty of sexual awakenings and their strength and fragility.
I first debuted this photograph in New York as a finalist in an International Competition.