Catch n' release

A small body of work illustrated through digital photography, video, screenprint on matboard in February of 2026.

This collection is focused on the themes of animism, environmentalism, and folklore. A what-if situation of what the world would do if it had to rely on nature fully once again, like the indigenous people of America. Drawing from my own indigenous background, I create a fantastical world inspired by folklore and animism. 

Rather than it being the end of the world, it's the creation of a new one. Following in the paths of our ancestors. Games of violence ending in a lesson of mercy and the importance of give and take.  A lesson we could learn a thing or two from the present day. 

Storyline:
In the land of the Stillborn Suns, a world of eternal darkness. Once lit with two suns of its own, they find themselves absorbing the light from its celestial bodies instead. Where hunters and creatures of the night live in unison. This society praises the hunt, celestial bodies, and nature.

Catch n’ Release is a game played by the people of this land. Hunting one another to best each other at their craft. While violent in nature, is a game of mercy, releasing the players caught. Both an activity to pass the time and an offering to nature itself and its deities. Teaching the generation the importance of give and take, or of mercy.

A part of their folklore, Birdman, is a trickster. Also known as, The Crow, Jackdaw and The Cackle. Much like the Coyote in Native American folklore. He lives to play games on those unassuming and disrupt order.

In this reformed world, people often see the trickster take the form of a business man in a suit with a crow head. Since suits are unnecessary in this society, long outdated. It gives those who see it an uncanny feeling, something unrelated-able to their reality. While most encounters rarely have had bad outcomes, there are tales of otherwise. Playing games for several hours and of those who have lost. Known for mimicking speech and collecting shinty trinkets. Often spotted at their games of Catch n’ Release, watching.

Neither good or bad, just an entity who enjoys a bit of fun.