Cactus Blossoms Succulents are one of the most uniquely evolved branches of the plant kingdom. Cacti, in particular, have undergone extreme physical adaptations to survive and thrive in their desert habitats. A living contradiction, their graceful flowers stand in stark contrast to their contorted, otherworldy stems. It’s this fascinating contrast between the simple and the complex that Juan Fortes explores in his new series of digitally-altered photographic artworks. A multi-disciplinary artist, Fortes creates his lifelike works through a careful process of arranging, photography, painting and editing. Photographed at dusk, the desert plants - including prickly pear, Peruvian apple and the dragonfruit cacti - merge into a single verdant tableau. Despite their arid environment, the compositions are bursting with life. Fortes deftly illuminates his subjects, highlighting the rich contrast between the deep green stems and the bright blossoms. The engrossing visual effect is further heightened by the dense lattice of spines and stems, creating botanical vignettes that recall the vibrant beauty of underwater coral reefs.