Altar & Excavations Series
Altar & Excavations
KIMBERLEE KOYM-MURTEIRA
Artist Statement
Feeling comfortable in your body is a privilege. In today's environment for immigrants, queer individuals, and non-binary people, we must find ways to thrive. My work celebrates queer and maternal bodies by combining ancient techniques, such as mask-making and body casting, with modern tools like 360-degree videography.
Casting is a traditional practice deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures, tracing back to Ancient Egypt. In these practices, masks symbolize envisionment and transformation, inspiring both imagination and action. By merging these ancient methods with modern technologies like 360-degree videography, I create a dialogue around the body that is both reverent and inclusive. I photograph figures in nature, capturing their essence, and utilize body casting with plaster bandages to honor diverse identities, particularly those of women, non-binary individuals, and mothers.