Shallow Enhancements Photographs 16” x 20” 2020 Statement: My work explores the relationship between our bodies and the common ways we transform them day to day. Influenced by the work of body modifications from artist ORLAN, I wanted to explore less extreme ways we transform our bodies with transformations like piercings, makeup, and even brushing our teeth to accidental changes from simply living like scars, wrinkles, and freckles. During my semester in ART 1900, I found myself lacking materials and subjects to photograph due to the pandemic, so I used myself as the subject. Coincidentally, like how ORLAN used their own body for their work. I enjoyed getting more in touch with myself during this project, and diving deep into the different ways I change myself daily. ORLAN’s purpose for using their body as a medium was to send the message to go against the grain and not follow societal stands. Whether we’re brushing our teeth, dying our hair, or having plastic surgery done, we continuously transform our bodies to fit the cultural and societal standards around us. Similar to ORLAN, my work is commentary on not letting societal standards define us.