Emily Uttley

ArtWorks Together 2021 1st Place Award Winner

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This image depicts a boy / young man, lying on his bed alone and in an awkward position, suffering from a wave of depression. It shows his complete surrender to battling it, yet the peacefulness of his pain. The boy is empty; no matter how much external vitality and vibrancy lives on, his illness renders him unresponsive and oblivious. He is suffering in a stunningly tranquil, and undisturbed way. We are reminded of the importance of comforting ourselves during our most private and painful moments.

After having a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome at a young age, I have always struggled to relate to other people, and have consequently suffered from feelings of isolation, anxiety and sometimes depression. I therefore use my imaginary subjects as a reflection of my own most inner feelings and private moments.