The photobook Watermelons Are Not Strawberries was created based on the photo essay with the same name, in which I portray my inner transformation and pursuit of self-awareness while navigating the challenges related to parenting.
The photographs are a blend of conceptual and documentary photography that reveals the shapes, textures, and shadows of my love for motherhood as it merges with a lifetime of my personal anxiety.
Over six years, the work grew into a story of resilience, hope, and mutual support between my daughters and me. In this creative process, I found the strength to heal old wounds by examining universal emotions such as sadness, happiness, and love.
Watermelons Are Not Strawberries' photographs have toured the world in exhibitions, publications, and relevant portfolio reviews. Now, the series will be materialized into a physical object that can be touched and shared. It is an invitation to navigate through a visual narrative in an intimate and sensory experience.
The photobook will be published by Yoffy Press in the early 2022.
Page sample from Watermelons Are Not Strawberries Photobook
Page sample from Watermelons Are Not Strawberries Photobook
Page sample from Watermelons Are Not Strawberries Photobook
Page sample from Watermelons Are Not Strawberries Photobook
THE CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
In May 2021, I ran a crowdfunding campaign via Kickstarter to raise money to publish WATERMELONS are not STRAWBERRIES photobook. In one month, I not only raised the total amount but received overwhelming support to publish my story.
Making these photographs was a very lonely process, a moment of deep reflection. Little did I know that the photographs I made to relieve my pain would inspire others to confront their own challenges.
This photobook will be born with a community and family for itself. What else could I wish for this body of work?
To learn more about this project, please visit