Pieces of Me

2024, Ongoing

The timeline in my mind is made up of emotionally charged memories of my life experiences. Factual information is difficult to retain, as it lacks the emotion needed to anchor me in the present moment. I have no idea where I lived, in which year, but I clearly remember where I was when I felt the weight of labels like ‘sensitive,’ ‘sickly,’ ‘quiet,’ ‘dreamy,’ or ‘dumb’ – who said these words and the tone in which they were delivered. Despite having a happy upbringing, it is these subtle injustices that I remember most about my childhood.

As an adult, my internal timeline is woven by fragmented memories of immense joy intertwined with medical traumas: the sound the gravel made underfoot as my waters broke, the sterile cold of intravenous medication entering my bloodstream, coupled with the clinical smell of hospitals. The hot, full-body rush of a success, the mortifying anxiety of feeling exposed.

Recently diagnosed with ADHD, I’ve found these fragmented pieces of me that were previously floating - detached, have fallen into place, allowing me to see my whole picture. For the first time in my life, everything makes sense, and I feel complete.

Utilising medical scans to illustrate pivotal moments in time where memories have formed, the work in this series pairs intricately constructed narratives with deconstructed, damaged film. Collectively, the images intend to convey the paradox of my neurodivergent mind as I try to balance my desire to be seen with an overwhelming need to hide.

Awards & Exhibitions

Work from this series was selected as finalist and exhibited in the Head On Photography Awards and the Australian Photography Awards.