Nature Self-Portrait

Nature Self Portrait (1996) is the first series of self-portrait nudes in nature produced by photographer Laura Aguilar. This series would mark a significant change of direction for the artist, who before this series had explored portraits (Latina Lesbians) (Plush Pony), and nude portraits of others (Clothed/Unclothed 1990-1994) and self-portrait nudes (Three Eagles Flying, In Sandy’s Room, 1990) shot in indoor studios as opposed to nature. In the early 1990s, Aguilar struggled with mounting depression and, increasingly, suicidal thoughts. A road trip with friend and fellow photographer Delilah Montoya through the rural landscapes of New Mexico provided a new opportunity to produce works in nature and explore the self-portrait nude in nature. The results were stunning and healing for the photographer, who could draw upon her familial ties to nature, open space, rivers, rocks, and woodlands. The series would elicit a growing interest in the artist’s work and set a precedent for the last major series of Aguilar’s career, Stillness (1999), Motion (1999), Center (2000), and Grounded (2006).