Heart of Stone – conceptual self-portrait

Heart of Stone – conceptual self-portrait

Introduction:
A heart of stone. This image visualizes emotional hardening as a defense mechanism. The chest is open, yet instead of flesh and blood, only cold rock is found. It is a study of emotional detachment, self-protection, and the inability to allow vulnerability.

Concept:
As part of my ongoing Self-Portrait series, I investigate metaphors used in daily language (“You have a heart of stone”). I translate these figures of speech literally into visual reality. Through digital collage and photography, the body becomes a vessel for psychological states. The stone symbolizes not only hardness but also burden and immobility.

Medium: Fine Art Photography, Medical skeleton, Digital Composing

Year: 2023