The retreat of the butterflies

Series produced in a prison for minors in the Dominican Republic, during photo workshops in November 2021. A work on portraits and self-portraiture with multiple objectives: to give the participants the means to express themselves, develop their creativity but also and above all to let it go. A reflection on identity, image and self-esteem.

The idea came quickly to work around the mask, a central element of Dominican culture and which allows the creation of an imaginary character. Each participant made her mask from various manufacturing elements (fabrics, ribbons, veils, beads, etc.) from the local culture. This was complemented by a traditional white Dominican dress made especially for the occasion.

To complete the process, Delphine Blast asked each participant to project herself into the future and to send a message to herself: from the free adult woman to the young girl they were when the photo was taken. Excerpts from these interviews were then hand written on each image.