Death conquers all. We will all succumb to the inevitable, but life is not built for us all. Those deemed “different” are manipulated, rewired, and dissected for our own good; or rather, for the comfort of society. Womanhood, queerness, neurodiversity: all facts of life labeled diseases by authoritarian powers.

Mors Vincit Omnia is a series of photographic self-portraits depicting the self “mutilation” of people who would rather die by their own hand than be molded into something they’re not. Inspired by a fictitious novel set in the late 1800s, this series explores what it means to be outcast and to be viewed as an object from loyal followers of the patriarchy. Such themes are relevant in the 21st century: American society today is driven by fear mongering, rhetoric, and misinformation surrounding civil and fundamental rights, transphobia, and the othering of people who don’t fit certain ideals. To reject the role and purpose assigned by society is to live truthfully, but a lack of bodily autonomy forces a need to take control, no matter how bloody. The root cause of suffering can only be found by dismembering the body, piece by piece. Every symptom is a weapon to be used against you; they will fix you, even if they die trying.