ME: Past Present Future
In collaboration with Autograph
In 2019 we worked with the St Mary's Paediatric psychology and clinical nurse specialists to host a two-day photography workshop at Autograph. Led by photographer Aida Silvestri, the participants were invited to create photographs exploring living with a long-term health condition, particularly thinking about their past, present and future.
The photographs attempt to communicate the main challenges faced by these young people growing up. The experiences of physical and emotional pain, navigating complex personal relationships and dealing with stigma. The stress of uncertainty and the everyday routines of medication and hospital treatment.
Looking forward, the portraits also explore the young people's hopes and aspirations. Capturing present feelings of joy at discovering new passions, hobbies and friends, as well as imagining a positive future of reaching life goals such as higher education and dream employment. The young people learnt how to set up studio lighting and use professional camera equipment, both photographing each other and creating their own poses and compositions.
The photographs were displayed in a pop-up exhibition at Autograph in October 2019.
This project was supported by Art Social Foundation