TRANSCENDENCE OF SELF: OVERCOMING MELANCHOLIA

展覽論述

我過去曾有輕度憂鬱症，現已好轉。痊癒的過程中深深地影響到我對人生的體悟。因此我決定以自拍來抒發並記錄這一連串從憂鬱到治癒的經歷。透過雙手來創作我的照片，我可以用最真誠的情感去詮釋憂鬱症和我的關係。


這一系列作品分為四個章節：憂鬱症對我來說是如何形成的、它是如何去影響我、以及要如何克服自身的憂鬱和痊癒後的心情。這一系列作品不但讓我再次成長，也能幫助其他人去了解、幫助甚至治癒那些需要援手的人。

Artist Statement

I used to suffer from Melancholia.

During those days, I lost the will to live because of bullying and the stress of school. Those memories haunted me continuously. They brought feelings of worthlessness and emptiness. I dodged and rejected the fact that those memories were a part of me. Even when I pushed the memories and sorrow from my head, I still could feel the wounds and hatred in my heart.

One day, my parents introduced a psychiatrist who helped me to face the past I used to find too painful. I gradually learned to accept myself and began the healing process. I soon realized that my friends and family had always been beside me, supporting me, and continued to stay with me as I fought to overcome my depression.

As a result, I have created a series of self-portraits using mixed-media artwork to release the feelings of my past. Through the creation process, I feel as though I am able to free myself from the negative memories; by manipulating each print by hand, getting closer to my inner self, and experiencing a deeper connection to the emotion. I feel my prints are far more convincing than words as an emotive tool of communication.

The project is divided into four parts to provide a narrative for the melancholia experience; how I feel enduring, accepting, and overcoming depression. This project has not only helped heal me but also encourages others to speak out about their own melancholia. I believe that this project will give people a better understanding of the issue. It is my intention to help depressed people understand that they are not alone.