Lotus flower, 2019

By Alessandra Chaves

In Buddhist symbolism, the lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a symbol of purity, for even though it is rooted in mud, its flowers blossom above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. It is also symbolic of detachment, since water drops slide off its petals. Lotus flower, 2019, was featured in my self-published book “Chloroplast” (blurb.com), a photographic exploration of the world of organisms that derive energy from the sun. In that collection, I use especial lighting techniques and a background free of distracting elements to guide the viewer’s attention to the shape and texture of plants and algae.