All of the photography was shot on 35mm film without any digital modification. In the multiple exposure photography, I rewind the film after it’s shot and reload the same roll on separate days throughout the year. Having no idea on what frame exists what, I am layering various elements that come together through a combination of intentional composition and chance.
This body of work embraces the unpredictable; layers contextualize an entangled and chaotic harmony, recognizing the volatility and disconnect between humans and Nature. With the intention of restoring this muted relationship we journey into a psychedelic fantasy that addresses an existential dilemma within our own human nature. Bodies intertwined with floral chaos begs us to consider ourselves within a larger ecosystem, emphasizing the blurred boundaries between the self and the natural world. The individual comes to realize it is not separate from the environment, but rather an integral part of it.
The music is called environmental music and as the name implies, these songs are written for places, environments around and within us. Music has the means to restore the human-nature connection through an innate kinship and speaks to humans soul to soul. The ancient sound of a humpback whale and the songs of a bird have similar structures to that of the music made by humans. This and environmental sounds like rain and the ocean have been proven through scientific studies to decrease pain, improve moods and assist with cognitive testing performance.
Dedicated to creative nature based practices, my work is deeply rooted in a reverence for the Environment. Across diverse mediums ranging between photography, music, film/video, culinary arts, herbal healing, gift art, ritual, writing and performance, exploring the intricacies and interconnectedness we share with the Natural world. Integrating scientific principles and curating a multi-sensory experience, these expressive forms actively contribute to the biological calming of the nervous system. Deliberate consideration is given to how each creation impacts the mind, body, and spirit of the audience. Art and music, like nature, have the power to promote self-healing, honoring creation as the potential to feed and nourish the sensory soul. During this time when our nervous systems are under constant attack within the current socio-climate, we must consider our external and internal landscapes.
Brandy Eve Allen is based in Los Angeles, CA. b. 1979
Grew up in NYC/LA, spent 3 years living in Italy and is self-taught.
Brandy Eve Allen’s work has been included in several international exhibitions including the 2015 Venice Biennale and is part of numerous private collections. She self-published a photographic diary entitled CIAO L.A. from her time living in Italy, released a tarot deck called Invisible LIght, and is included in collective book publications under Rizzoli and Hatje Cantz. Brandy continues to create art while living in Los Angeles.
Most recently her work is included in HOME/WORK at the San Luis Obispo Museum and SOONOQO curated by S. Toxosi at the Duniden Fine Art Center.
“Wild meadow sweetgrass grows long and fragrant when it is looked after by humans. Weeding and care for the habitat and neighboring plants strengthens its growth” (Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer