self & other / spring 2016
this series of abstract photographs confronts the complex relationship between the Self and the Other of a person suffering from mental or physical illness. when diagnosed with an illness, often one’s entire life becomes victim of that illness: body, mind, heart, soul. it is then easy to give in to the able/disable label, which basically describes the restrictive mental/emotional feelings toward the Self due to the fact that one has a diagnosis that is known to be “inhibiting.” for example, someone with an illness that affects their daily life often blame all of their struggles on their diagnosis. this offers an alternate perspective (a narration, almost) from the Other. to succumb to the able/disable label means to separate oneself from one’s true Self, labeling the true Self as “sick” or just plain “disabled,” which then limits one’s ability to function successfully in their life.
similarly, outside perspectives from those unaffected by mental/physical illness can influence a sick person’s attitude and mindset toward themself. over the years, manipulative metaphorical fantasies have developed about physical and mental illness. for example, someone diagnosed with multi-personality disorder or schizophrenia is automatically labeled “crazy” and “worthless.” the images i made here illustrate the oftentimes helpless interactions that occur between the Self and the Other when facing arduous challenges that one encounters when combating the feelings of deterioration imposed by said judgments and metaphors.