James Byrne
Mississippi Roots
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At first glance these are familiar looking natural forms - tree roots, bark, stones, and plants. They are photographs of the underside root systems of toppled trees that line the banks of the Mississippi River near my home in St. Paul. A closer look reveals unusual organic shapes and primordial figures - as if they have always existed in the inner life of these trees, and are now released. What and who can be seen in these images?
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The roots and trunks have been eroded and washed by flood waters year after year then dried in the summer sun, exposing beautiful textures, colors, and patterns. Otherworldly spaces and places in shades of brown, blue, gold, and gray, wait in the underbelly of these wonderful trees. Through a simple process of mirroring a single un-manipulated photograph, these hidden spaces and places are unveiled.
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Photographs are printed and framed for exhibition and sale. Contact James Byrne - byrnefilms@gmail.com


1. Mississippi Roots 1312, 19 x 24 inches
2. Mississippi Roots 5769, 10 x 22 inches

3. Mississippi Roots 1430, 14 x 28 inches




4. Mississippi Roots 1167, 14 x 28 inches
5. Mississippi Roots 1129, 14 x 24 inches
6. Mississippi Roots 1371, 19 x 24 inches
7. Mississippi Roots 1275, 19 x 24 inches

8. Mississippi Roots 1328, 20 x 22 inches


9. Mississippi Roots 1224, 20 x 22 inches
10. Mississippi Roots 1402, 19 x 24 inches

11. Mississippi Roots 1223, 14.5 x 28 inches

12. Mississippi Roots 62, 11 x 24 inches

13. Mississippi Roots 72, 14 x 24 inches

15. Mississippi Roots 1226, 14.5 x 28 inches

14. Mississippi Roots 5765, 14.5 x 28 inches

16. Mississippi Roots 1091, 13 x 24 inches

17. Mississippi Roots 20, 12 x 18 inches

19. Mississippi Roots 1041, 20 x 22 inches

18. Mississippi Roots 5533, 14 x 24 inches
