Can’t Stop Me?

by Elizabeth Kaye

Artist statement:

In this photo, a figure stands in limbo on a bridge between the light, representative of their healthy self, and darkness, representative of their dysfunctional mentally ill self. The figure’s bright colors signify this individual’s unique, vibrant personality, at risk for becoming muted and faded if the figure continues along the dark path. The light directed on the path is a beacon beckoning for the figure’s movement and progress towards health. It holds out a reminder of opportunities for cognitive reappraisal, self-care and support by social and therapeutic networks which, if only embraced, could brighten the journey.

The question, with which the title of the piece grapples, is the direction and momentum of the figure. Will this figure move closer towards the bright side of recovery or towards the dark side of illness? How much agency does the figure have in the trajectory that defines their future?