In ancient Slavic mythology, there is a legend according to which a woman experiencing unrequited feelings turns into a birch tree. This myth serves as a profound metaphor, reflecting the inner conflicts that arise in the process of seeking intimacy and self-acceptance. It raises important questions about how the longing for closeness collides with the deeply rooted fear of vulnerability.

In the context of intimate relationships, the concept of “experimenting with boundaries” becomes a key element that allows for the exploration of one’s own feelings and desires. Scientific studies show that boundaries can be blurred in sexual interactions, and temporary connections may lead to deep self-exploration.

My project “Tears of the Birch” is composed of diary photographs taken during a therapeutic journey. In it, I seek answers to questions about myself, my sensuality, and how suffering and liberation go hand in hand on the path to self-analysis. I explore how mythological representations of love and suffering shape our perception. In this context, the body becomes a text, and the surrounding space is filled with metaphors, opening new horizons for understanding personal experience. My experiences intersect with universal myths about how we create meanings from our feelings and confront cultural messages about love and sexuality.

By Mariia Novoselskaia