Within Shawn Rowe’s work, a quiet repose emerges, where moments of introspection grow long while light and atmosphere become tactile. Landscape imagery punctuates this self-portrait, serving as metaphor to discuss the symbiosis between nature and the body. V characterizes this relationship as both internal and external, with each body leaving marks upon the other. The power structures that support this dialogue manifest as visual interruptions in the intervening space between reflection and perception. In this work, Shawn creates a space to discuss a range of definitions of masculinity, sexuality and gender in order to articulate acceptance and resolve.

The title V describes the ambiguity of the project itself. In ancient times, V was used interchangeably with the letter U. V is the Roman Numeral for five and embodies a downward pointing arrow. For this work, the two lines that create the letter V intersect where the body and the environment exchange forces. These images represent a visualization of this conversation. Like the letter V, Shawn asks the viewer to bring their own associations and meanings to the images and the body of work as a whole.

To see more of Shawn’s work, visit: shawnrowephotography.com