“In my photo creations I use things that are around us in abundance, whether they are buildings, nature or simply shapes,” says Tuma. “In order to accomplish full attention and appreciation (good or bad) I transform these inanimate objects into images that will hopefully create a state of mind in which the viewer somewhat looses a sense of reality, allowing the senses to feel.

Above, “Man”; left, “Ipe,” both from Tuma’s Garden Series.

Below top, “Tower”; below bottom, “Ninja,” both from Tuma’s Roof Less series.

Tuma explains the precept behind Roof Less: “One of humanity’s basic needs is shelter. The structure that protects us from the environment proves to be not so simple. As a modern and materialistic society, we end up complicating something as simple as that. The lack of and the over-saturation of this basic need ironically happen simultaneously. At a time when more and more people find themselves “roof less,” the rise of massive structures keeps repeating itself. It comes full circle when the final product, a building of some sort, is born to be empty. When an object is empty we believe it to be lighter. Through the feeling of suspension and buoyancy, a logical correlation to emptiness may appear. I create a state of mind through these images; an interchangeable meaning to lightness and heaviness.”

“I have always been drawn to Surrealism, and I choose to express my thoughts and sentiments through a similar approach. I have a strong appreciation towards art that makes you feel and think through an illogical manner, and ultimately that is what I strive for.”