The face of illness and disease gets a makeover in the Richard Kern 'Medicated' photoshoot for the Vice Magazine Photo Issue 2011. The photographer, known for his provocative and bold shoots, reveals the ailments young women suffer from that go physically unnoticed in society. Each model holds up the medication(s) she is currently taking, for health issues ranging from more serious things like bipolar disorder and depression, to temporary issues like the common cold.
The Richard Kern 'Medicated' shoot uses real girls with little to no past modeling experience, shot in their own bedrooms or bathrooms. It is definitely an eye-opener to how many people use medication every day, and how these illnesses go unrecognized or are kept hidden from the outside world.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Visible Illnesses
- The Richard Kern 'Medicated' series highlights various hidden illnesses by capturing models holding up the medications they are currently taking.
- Empathy Photography
- Photographers can embrace empathy photography to capture the unseen struggles of individuals with illnesses and raise awareness.
- Destigmatizing Medication
- The 'Medicated' photoshoot contributes to destigmatizing medication use by showcasing real people openly displaying their medications and normalizing their existence.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion
- Fashion brands can integrate the concept of 'Medicated' photoshoots to promote inclusivity and embrace individuals with illnesses.
- Pharmaceutical
- Pharmaceutical companies can utilize empathetic photography to humanize their products and demonstrate the impact of their medications in improving lives.
- Mental Health
- The 'Medicated' series presents an opportunity for mental health organizations to create campaigns that combat stigma and foster understanding.
