Exploring Symbolism and Portraiture through Painting & Photo Collage

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​Students created mixed media self-portraits combining painting and photo collage, in which botanical elements, personally selected for their symbolic meaning, partially or fully obscure the face. Each plant or flower acts as a metaphorical veil, representing hidden facets of identity, an alter ego, or inner experiences not immediately visible. Together, the works use the natural world as a language for self-expression, weaving personal narrative, introspection, and symbolism into a single artwork.