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Butterfly wings spread art work in black and white
Moth symbolism.
Butterfly wing art, photographed with a macro lens.
Moth wing art black and white photograph.
Butterfly wings art work in black and white

Butterfly and moth wings art

I found this moth in a dark corner of the living room in my apartment. I was hopeful the moth was alive. However, the moth appeared lifeless. I tried bringing it back to life. But failed in my attempt. With the moth wing I’m attempting to make it resemble beautiful butterfly wings art. Therefore, a collection of black and white experimental photographs.

What are butterfly and moth wings made of?

A macro lens was used for an extreme close-up picture of the wing detail. With so much texture in the wing I was curious as to what it is made of. The answer was close-by. With a quick online search, I learnt that the wing scales are tiny overlapping pieces of chitin. Outgrowths of the body wall and are modified, plate-like setae (hairs.) Fascinating!

Black and white moth art

As the wings were quickly crumbling, I wanted to preserve what was remaining of the moth through an image. In an attempt to produce a spread wing picture, I mirrored a single wing photo. Flipped the image, and joined the two frames together. An experiment to see what the symmetry and pattern would reveal. Could I create a realistic butterfly or moth spread wing artwork? The natural patterning is exquisite. A realistic representation of a moth wing it is not. However, an interesting study.

Butterfly symbolism

Apparently, black Butterflies are symbols of potent transformation. Seeing a completely Black Butterfly is often a sign that something in your life is up for review, and that you would benefit in letting it die and fade away.

Moth symbolism

“Native Americans believe that both butterflies and moths teach us that there must always be death for rebirth and growth to occur. These winged creatures encourage us to release singular ego attachment and make room for the rich complexity of our authentic nature.”

– source: Moth Symbolism and Meaning (+Totem, Spirit & Omens)

I love butterflies and moths, and if you do too, there’s some more butterfly photography studies in a blog post from the Kuang Si Butterfly Park in Laos.

Artist: Tahnia Roberts ©2021
Category: Photography
Style: Fine art // abstract
Subject: Macro photography black and white moth wings
Medium: Digital, photo, black and white
Artist country: Malaysia

Tahnia Roberts

Author Tahnia Roberts

Tahnia is a visual storyteller who uses photography to explore, investigate and document her surroundings. An avid collector of found objects which frequently become still life compositions. Black and white photography is her preferred medium. Born and raised in New Zealand, she currently resides in Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

More posts by Tahnia Roberts

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