# Honest Self-Mutilation Photography This Haunting Series Takes on the Taboo Issue of Self Harm By Farida Helmy | Published 2014-03-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-harm References: [featureshoot](http://www.featureshoot.com/2014/02/kristina-knipe/) & [kristinaeknipe](http://www.kristinaeknipe.com/new.html) Giving self harm a creative face, photographer Kristina Knipe shows us a haunting world filled with people living in quiet desperation, struggling with the growing yet taboo issue of self harm. In the New York-based photographer's [raw series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nonnas-cam) 'I Don’t Know The Names of Flowers', Knipe captures a suburban world filled with those who struggle with self harm in such an intimate and honest way. “I was 14 the first time I self-harmed. I took a [Swiss Army](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/victorinox-alox-refined-collection) knife and slit open the top of my forearm in short diagonal cuts. I was searching for something in that moment—exhilaration, consciousness, proof I had the strength to withstand pain,” says Knipe. Her narrative shows an undercover world not easily detectable to the naked eye, but Knipe digs deep to capture not only the [physical scares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scar-stories1) but also the objects, places and memories associated with thoughts of self harm. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Mental Health Awareness:** There is potential for innovative forms of therapy and support systems for individuals struggling with self harm and other mental health issues. - **Stigma-breaking Art:** More artists may begin to create thought-provoking pieces that shed light on difficult and taboo topics. - **Raw and Unfiltered Photography:** More photographers may turn to authenticity, vulnerability and transparency in their work. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Mental Health and Wellness:** There is growing potential for new treatments, devices, and platforms that address the unmet needs of those struggling with mental health challenges. - **Art and Culture:** Art can have a powerful impact on social change, and this art trend presents an opportunity for organizations to engage in meaningful conversations. - **Photography:** This trend may inspire more photographers to explore and experiment with emotion and storytelling. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mental Health-Supporting Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-last-photo.md) - [Handcrafted Flower Crown Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handcrafted-flower-crown.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Personal Nostalgic Photo Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio.md) - [Mock Social Good Fashion Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-models-own.md) - [Unique Artistic Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amusebouche.md) - [Human Embraced-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallmounted-sculpture.md) - [Medicine-Inspired Artful Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/something-for-the-pain.md) - [Explosion-Damaged Sculpture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-into-darkness.md)