The Continued Conflict: Self vs Self
This photo series, over 5 years in the making, explores the broad theme of internal conflict we face as a result of the human condition. Taking advantage of a range of landscapes, I juxtapose myself in a number of situations, each highlighting a certain dilemma related to mental health generalizable to the masses. Specifically, this series suggests a storyline of the average human turning to violent expression after being unable to find themselves, suffering as a result of their actions, and subsequently self-actualizing following a number of epiphanies.
The photo series begins highlighting the character's overwhelming loneliness, feelings of lack of purpose, and struggling to navigate the pressures of daily life. Especially in 2020, we are conditioned to present a side of us that is okay, even when we are in fact, not okay. The emotion and lack thereof in the opening pieces highlight the challenges with meeting society's expectations.
The story then delves into the violence, trauma, and poor decisions made by the character as a result of extreme pressure by the pressures created by hyper-confidence, self-image, and external pressures. Our actions, regardless of reason, have consequences and to truly find ourselves, we must understand this. The character is pursued and eventually captured by the manifestation of their guilt.
Following a time of struggle pushing the character to their lowest low, there is a period of positive self-reflection, growth, and development. To grow as humans, we need time to heal, both physically and mentally - the character here moves through through multiple stages of grief, confusion, and self-critique.
Finally, comes the initial and typical resistance to change which is followed by a full self actualization.
This series brings to the life the countless conflicts that we are trained to view as diminutive and irrelevant, highlighting the number of ideas and thoughts going into each decision we make, conscious and subconscious.