The title comes from the combination of the word “floresence” which is the process of flowering and “essence” which is the intrinsic quality of something that determines it’s character, akin to “soul.” I chose this title for this project since in this fantasy where these photos take place, I imagine that the subject’s soul is blooming, because in this world Black women are divine and worshipped, and able to do anything, even things that are not humanly possible.

WIRES is a visual commentary on our relationship to technology and it's role in our daily lives. To exist comfortably, having a smartphone was made to be a necessity that is intentionally filled with apps that profit from creating insecurities, trends, and slot-machine like algorithms to keep us addicted. We pick up our phone whenever the mind drifts, whenever we are lonely, hungry, curious. It's become an extension of our bodies. With the evolvement of AI, soon we will not be able to distinguish between what is real. Millions have been fooled already. These images say "If that's the case, then what's the point?" and fully accepts a merge into cyber-reality.

This project was inspired by the seven stages of grief where each photographer chose different stage to visualize. I chose acceptance and this is my interpretation.