# Sleep Paralysis-Inspired Photography Nicolas Bruno Captures the Trauma of His Sleep Disorder By Meghan Young | Published 2014-03-17 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nicolas-bruno References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/nicolas-bruno-sleep-paralysis-photography) & [nicolasbrunophotography](http://www.nicolasbrunophotography.com/) Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon in which a person caught between sleeping and waking cannot move; Nicolas Bruno, a photographer based in Northport, New York, captures the trauma of such experiences in a set of surreal images. What can only be considered waking nightmares, those who suffer from such a disorder often experience terrifying visions that they can do nothing to avoid because of the paralysis. To illustrate such a struggle, Nicolas Bruno depicts harm coming to his protagonists as they face it, unable to avoid it. Whether that is because they are blindfolded or tied to a chair, the sense of helplessness and hopelessness is palpable. My Modern Met writes, "Nicolas Bruno is able to express himself and make something stunning and beautiful from an otherwise awful situation." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sleep Paralysis-inspired Art:** Exploring the trauma of sleep paralysis through art presents an opportunity for artists and therapists to increase awareness and improve mental health outcomes. - **Surreal Photography:** Using surrealism to capture the subjective experience of mental disorders has the potential to be a powerful and innovative way of addressing mental health topics. - **Visualizing Mental Health Struggles:** The use of photography to visualize the subjective experiences of mental disorders can lead to greater empathy and understanding in society. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Exploring mental health struggles through art could be a disruptive innovation in the art world, leading to a new genre of socially-conscious art that elevates awareness and triggers critical thinking. - **Therapy and Counseling:** Incorporating art therapy in the treatment of mental disorders inspired by sleep paralysis can be a forward-thinking approach to enhancing current therapies. - **Mental Health Awareness and Education:** Using visually powerful imagery to expand awareness of the impact of mental illnesses can revolutionize how people understand and approach mental health education. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Sleep-Focused Hotel Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleep-lab-rooms.md) - [AI-Powered Glowing Dream Recorders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dream-recorder.md) - [Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-allusion.md) - [Sleep-Aiding Lava Lamp Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epy.md) - [Sleep Support Fairy Tales](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleepless-beauty.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Fashion-Inspired Sleep Aid Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleep-aid1.md) - [Surrealist Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreams-is.md)