Mental Illness Photography

Liz Obert Seeks to Reveal the Dualities of Mental Illness

Photographer Liz Obert confronts the reality of her mental illness in her latest series 'Dualities.'

The project's title references the dual nature of living with depression and other mental disorders. Though we've come a long way in shedding the stigma, those suffering with mental illnesses still feel the need to lead double lives. A public life, in which they put on a brave face and a smile, and a private life, in which they are able to more freely express their true feelings. Obert photographed herself, and her subjects, in both of those settings, allowing each subject complete control over their presentation. Every photo is accompanied by a notation describing the subject's mental state in each setting.

Obert's series is especially poignant, and relevant, when we consider that over 5 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder (like Obert) and nearly 15 million struggle with depression.
Trend Themes
1. Mental Health Photography - Opportunity for photographers to explore and create projects portraying mental health and its many facets.
2. Visual Storytelling of Mental Disorders - Potential for visual artists to tell the stories of individuals living with mental disorders in an authentic and moving way.
3. Mental Health Advocacy Through Photography - Creating a platform for mental health advocacy through photography projects that could provide an opportunity for more open conversations and better understanding of mental illnesses.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Innovative photography projects specifically focused on mental health and mental illnesses could have transformative potential for artists and audiences alike.
2. Mental Health - Advances in mental health treatment, awareness, and education can benefit from creative assets produced by visual artists portraying the mental health experiences and struggles of real individuals.
3. Art Therapy - Using photography as a form of art therapy to help individuals who are struggling with mental illnesses uncover and own their emotions and experiences through the creative process.

Related Ideas

Similar Ideas
VIEW FULL ARTICLE & IMAGES