Christian Sampson's Brilliantly Creepy Take on Mental Illness
Panic
Christian Sampson, a photographer with an interest in contemporary art has produced a series of images representing some of the most common mental illnesses effecting people today. Christian is primarily a wedding and portrait photographer but also enjoys making his own expressive artwork. He says “I love compositing and the power that it can have on viewers.”
When asked why he made these images Christian said “I was inspired by different people in my life that struggle with a lot of these health issues.”This series of artwork is certain to have an effect on some people, potentially aiding those with mental illness by helping those who stigmatise this kind of illness to empathise.
OCD
The photographs, all taken in black and white are reminiscent of early horror films with their harsh lighting and high contrasts. Christian also incorporates split-focus depth of field effects helping to communicate the altered perception of those suffering with mental illness. The pictures are also pretty undoubtedly creepy, as well as beautifully shot and edited. Making them the featured artwork of the week.
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses in Britain with 8.2 million cases reported in 2013. To me, this picture represents the horrid, blazing darkness that penetrates you as you slowly become more and more overwhelmed with anxiety. You find a wall. You press your hands and forehead against it and you narrow your focus to only the wall. The cold feeling of the wall washes over you like a refreshing wave as you feel the darkness slowly leaving you.
Addiction
Depression
Depression is another very common mental illness in the UK with 4-10% of people experiencing depression in their lifetime. It's characterised by a feeling of helplessness and is also associated with anxiety. This photograph received a small amount of criticism online, with depression sufferers claiming that although it feels like you are drowning - you would never scream out for help. Despite this Christian says “My favourite [image] is probably depression. Just because I think the image itself really gives substance and weight to depression.”
Anorexia
Let us know what you think about Christian's artwork. If your illness was featured in the article – how well represented do you think it was? For more of Christian's artwork visit his website, where 'part two' of the series will also be posted, though there is no ETA as of yet.