With his subjects in the water, their faces and bodies just barely above the surface, the cinematic series Rain Water by Evan James Atwood confronts us with a glass-half-empty or half-full debate: are they drowning or floating; are they bursting to the surface, or letting go?
Contemplative and meaningful, the images leave us mulling over hope or darkness. This is what Atwood’s art is about: explorating internal emotions through photography and film. It started with a 365 project back in 2012 that focused on self-portraiture, a practice that allowed him to carve out his own creative path. Color, surrealism and symbolism play heavily in his work, which he uses to express human vulnerability and beauty.
The Portland-based Atwood continues to create art that advocates for more diversity and focuses on amplifying marginalized voices. More his photography and films on his website and Instagram.
Images © Evan James Atwood / with permission