Photographer and artist Deanna Forte created ‘Back to Dust,’ a series inspired after a verse in Genesis chapter three. The verse is written at the end of her three powerful photographs, "’Till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This verse from the Biblical scriptures is widely known as being iconic to the fall of man after Adam and Eve sinned.
The images in the series feature a man slowly being covered or transformed into dust. At first the dirt seems to come down on him from above and at first he seems afraid, but in the second image his eye seems calm and accepting of the situation as more dirt covers him. In the final image he lies in the fetal position on a pile of dust as if metaphorically becoming one with it.
This series by Deanna Forte is so powerful and symbolic. She uses the simple yet striking imagery to evoke the message from Genesis chapter three.
Metaphoric Elemental Photography
Deanna Illustrates a Powerful Message from Genesis Chapter Three
Trend Themes
1. Metaphoric Photography - There is an opportunity for photographers to make use of symbolism in their work to convey messages beyond the literal subject of the photo.
2. Biblically Inspired Art - Religious themes can provide artists with a deep well of inspiration and storytelling that can resonate with a wide audience.
3. Mortality Messaging - Creating artwork around the concepts of death, decay, and the transient nature of life can offer a way to reflect on the human experience and provoke deeper thought.
Industry Implications
1. Fine Art - Artists can explore new ways of visually communicating complex themes and ideas, allowing their artistic talents to collide with philosophical or spiritual concepts.
2. Marketing and Advertising - Using the power of visual symbolism, the messaging of marketing campaigns can be made more evocative, artistic, and memorable.
3. Lifestyle or Personal Development Brands - Inspirational and thought-provoking messaging around the concepts of life and death can be incorporated into branding or messaging, tapping into consumers' interests in mindfulness and self-development.