ME, MYSELF AND I… (2024)

Artist Statement:

We exist as embodied beings, fundamentally shaped by our physical forms. Our bodies are not only vessels for movement; they are the means through which we engage with the world around us. Whether through touch, sight, or other senses, our physical presence profoundly influences how we understand and interact with our environment. For me, this reality is particularly poignant due to my family history and genetic predisposition, which led me to anticipate a range of health issues throughout my life.

This instability creates frustration, highlighting our bodies’ inherent unpredictability as they evolve through life. Unfortunately, our social and cultural contexts often ignore this diversity in physical capabilities. Moreover, our experiences of embodiment can be significantly impacted by external forces such as illness, accidents, and trauma. These factors can reshape our understanding of ourselves and leave lasting marks, both visible and invisible, on our bodies.

The aftermath of such experiences can create a complex relationship with our physical selves, where past traumas alter our perception and interaction with the world. Autoimmune diseases underscore the fragility of our bodily systems. This condition arises when the body’s natural defence mechanism fails to distinguish between its cells and those that are foreign. Consequently, the immune system mistakenly turns against itself, which leads to a feeling of betrayal in the self. I can’t trust my body to protect me because it has turned against me, leading to a range of complications that can significantly affect daily life.