Artist statement: My series, My body and mind eclipsed me is a series that explores a personal account of my relationship with autoimmune conditions, delving into depicting the effect they have had in recent years.

My motivation behind this project is to share my own story in the hope to raise awareness surrounding autoimmune conditions, a topic that has typically been less discussed in society. Bringing into focus things like associated stigmatisation and hidden struggles. With the overarching goal and vision of making the invisible, visible through a series of emotive still-life and nature photographs.

My photography in this series depicts pain and isolation, represented through clinical, clean and minimalistic compositions that evoke a sense of loss and longing. I have also chosen to mix this with flowers and nature throughout the art direction to represent a sense of beauty and strength inside an individual. With the photography embracing figurative symbolism over literal to convey an emotive narrative surrounding autoimmune conditions.

I hope this series can convey the key message to viewers that, although everyone’s journey with autoimmune conditions is very individual and unique, no one should feel they have to experience going through it alone. The work expresses an evolving narrative, exploring the idea that whilst there can be painful and difficult times, there can also be a sense of optimism, strength and community.