Syrian Flowers / Pressed Flower Outcomes

References:

As established through the contextual research, Syria's environmental space is very varied as its full seasons allow for many types of flora to grow. I selected the few that were common to find, and things that can be recreated. Especially the white or yellow Jasmine, as that's the national flower.

Damask Rose, Asphodeline Lutea

Syrian Oregano, Jasmines (Syria's National Flower)

Outcomes:

I placed the flower presses directly onto the scanner as scanning is a common trend among my target audience, and may resonate with them more as they would be more visually interested in it.

Using flower and star craft hole punchers to explore more playful and unexpected approaches to pressed flowers - keeping the book visually stimulating and unexpected is what challenges mainstream media rhetorics.

Forming the original forms by placing the petals back together. Building a pattern like this inspired by Perfume Genius (Practical Research) could be an approach to explore removal - refugees being removed from their homes due to war.

Exploring ways of creating the national yellow Jasmine

Creating focus on the star cut outs as a way of reminding the reader of the relation to Syria - the two stars on the flag.

Recreating the flag using the flora I found. Only the Firethorns were red therefore the scans couldn't be as clear as it can't be flattened, however the blurring conveys a sense of movement.

Overall, I think the recreation of the national flower Jasmine, the generic petal/floral shape and the cut outs were most successful. The first two create a direct link to both Syria and the theme, which reminds the viewer of the relationship between migration and human nature. The cut outs provide symbolism that creates more of a focus on the narrative.

The stars represent the Syrian culture - their flag.
The flower cut out represents the relationship between migration and human nature.