A still life series featuring eight distinct vegetables by photographer Skye Tao (previously featured here). Originally from Suzhou and currently based in Vancouver, Tao received her BFA in Photography from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Her works often utilize the lens to narrate stories about culture and humanity through surrealistic images that challenge viewer’s perceptions.

“The Eight Immortals” focuses on lotus roots, water caltrops, euryale seeds, arrowheads, water bamboos, water chestnuts, water shields, and water celery — transforming them into sculptural art. The images pay homage to a legendary tale of heavenly beings planting these vegetables for protection. Deeply rooted in Chinese culture, these vegetables symbolize generations of dedicated cultivation. The project is a celebration of that labour-intensive process. It also acts as a bridge between the past and present, conveying themes of abundance, the significance of water, and the nourishing and preserving of centuries-old traditions, ensuring the continued value of these vegetables for future generations.

See more from “The Eight Immortals” below!