Schizophrenic…
My compositions are a series of four A4 images which focus on schizophrenia in a cultural context. There is a lot of stigma associated with schizophrenia and the belief that people who experience this illness are ‘dangerous’, ‘destructive’ or a ‘threat’. However, most of the time, the greatest danger is ourselves.
For each piece, I have incorporated text and an abstract background. The text is the primary element, which draws the eye in and forms a relationship with the viewer. The audience is provided with an opportunity to engage with their own bias and question what they know. The backgrounds feature various colours and strokes, which evoke different feelings and emotions and further confront the viewer’s conception. Does a darker background conflict with the text? Do lighter colours make it easier to accept the message?
I was inspired by the works of Julie Fragar and Vernon Ah Kee, who use bold typography to convey strong statements. The abstract works of David Alexanders also inspired me to consider how abstraction could be used to influence or alter the message.
The pieces were created by combining traditional media (acrylic paint on paper) and digital modifications in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. The combination of techniques allowed me greater control over the typography and alteration of colour values.
