Always Hidden Always Present

Mental illness has always been present in the world but only recently have people began to discuss it more openly. I have personally struggled with depression for many years and after my sibling attempted suicide a few months ago, I knew I had to work through these emotions using my art. For this series, I wanted to create an intersection between art and technology with a focus on mental health. Using tintypes, I captured individuals who have dealt with depression and included intimate recordings of each subject’s personal struggle with this mental disability. The audio recordings and portraits are triggered by the quotations inside the frames, therefore giving the viewer an apparatus to view these inner struggles using the iPads. Once the image is no longer triggered, the audio will pause until it is triggered again, therefore never silencing these voices that not only deserve to be heard but need to be. Through this series, I wanted to create a sense of community, depression can become isolating for many people therefore creating a safe space for individuals to speak creates an open conversation about this important issue. I have incorporated these portraits using augmented reality because that is how mental illness can be seen: not seen but always present.

INSTRUCTIONS & ISSUES
Open App "Always Hidden Always Present"
Allow camera access, then point camera at the quotations on the wall.
Only one portrait can be seen at a time, audio is also required.
For any issues, simply close out of the App then re-enter.