Hiraya

Eufemae Menendez

Hiraya, an archaic Tagalog word that represents our hopes, aspirations, and the dreams we hope to achieve. My work is a 14 photographic series narrating the journey of overcoming adversity. The images in this series are centered around a character, a symbolization of myself, who reflected on the stages of fear, struggle, and transformation. I fell into the abyss of darkness, then into the ocean that nearly drowned me, and emerged into a bright, quiet space that gave me clarity

This series is a combined practice of studio and underwater photography. It has an editorial curation where each styling and setting reflects the emotional phases of the subject’s journey. In the first phase, the subject is trapped in the void of fear and uncertainty. She is wearing a black dress and dark make-up to represent the fear of failure that hinders her from moving forward or taking action to accomplish her dream. Then she fell underwater, where she suffered and persevered. Her dress has become torn and stained, which signifies the hardships she’s gone through. Lastly, she had an epiphany. She finally submerged into the space where she finds peace and clarity. Dressed in white and wearing makeup that accentuates her realization. In the final phase, she realizes the true value of her journey. Although she didn’t achieve her goal, she sees the progress she made despite the fact that she is still young and has a long way to go. My thesis aims to picture the personal experiences of overcoming adversity. My work conveys the themes of vulnerability and resilience.
With my work, I hope you too saw the journey you have been through. From the moment we feel uncertain, continuing to persevere, and to ultimately rise. I hope Hiraya will become both our end destination and a reminder that even in the times we feel imprisoned in the darkness, always remember that the light we are searching for can also rise within us.

About The Artist

Eufemae Menendez

Hello,

I am Eufemae (u-fee-may), a creative 4th-year photography student at Toronto Metropolitan University. I specialize in editorial and portraiture. I am a Filipino artist who explores innovative concepts, resulting in captivating photographs that evoke emotional response.

In my free time, I write stories. Immersed in the worlds that I create, I found solitude. Through my photographs, I hope you can feel the stories I’ve written. Finding comfort in the quiet spaces where words and images meet.

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