Mermaide with thistle, embodying resilience and healing
by Maria Tulchinskaya (United-States)

This image from series portrays the unsettling transition of a mermaid into the human world, emphasizing the physical and psychological scars of cultural assimilation. The stark bandages and the eerie sea urchin on her mouth symbolize the painful silencing of her past life and identity. Through the use of visual metaphors, Tulchinskaya eloquently captures the profound sense of isolation and displacement experienced by immigrants as they attempt to integrate into new societies. This powerful composition invites viewers to reflect on the complex narratives of migration and the resilience required to navigate such transformative journeys