Influential photographers.

Through out this project there have been three photographers that are constantly inspiring the growth of my project all three have different styles of photography but their concepts and images are rich with narrative and have created striking,beautiful images in their own right.

Haris Nukem.

Haris Nukem is an underground photographer based in London, I stumbled across his work on Instagram and was intrigued by his style of images, they are mysterious, full of narrative with a raw contemporary twist. What I find refreshing about Nukem's images is that they do not seem to be over re-touched you can still see the skins natural texture and lines. The lighting and post-production is extremely similar to how I envisioned my images to be, my photographer perhaps not so dramatic but  I like cool tones and shadows. This is a photographer that I have introduced to my project photographer Toni Ward so she can get a feel of the post-production. He has tackled the issues of self harm and depression with suicidal tendencies in quite a raw sense you can see the models suffering within their eyes and the setting his images are something to reflect on and have made me think about how to deal with the re-enactments in my images and that I can keep it quite realistic as long as it is done so with taste.

Francesca Woodman.

Francesca Woodman is a photographer that has great relevance to my topic and has inspired me greatly. The deceased artist committed suicide at the age of 22, Woodman's work is strongly conceptual Woodman explores issues of the female body's subjectivity creating mainly images of which contained herself naked. I love how she explores vulnerability as this is a factor I intend on touching on.I have taken inspiration from the infamous figure to use myself as the main subject to explore my concept. I feel inspired by Woodman's realistic approach to her images they are untouched, Woodman's parents explain that there is no evidence of some of Woodman's concepts behind the images leaving it for the spectator to decide. Without a doubt the photographers work is extremely artistic the Woodman's state in the documentary about the art of Francesca "What is the art saying?" The work to me seems to explore female subjectivity, entrapment and provocative of which are elements that my work investigates as previous research suggests in Joiners framework of suicidal behaviour and Simons 'Naked suicide' scholar- of which will show more depth to my work. (Sam Willis, 2011, The Woodmans)

Below is a short clip of the documentary of 'The Woodmans' it is interesting to get a perspective of Francesca's work and personality from those who knew her personally. What is a compelling piece of information is that her parents and peers note there was no evidence as to why she committed suicide she did not seem deprived emotionally, she had a good upbringing and did not seem to follow Joiners  neither Durkheim's framework of suicidal behaviour patterns, yet her work could suggest differently the artists death and emotional state is a mystery yet her work could say otherwise.

(https://youtu.be/074vh1l8rs8, 25.2.16)

Laura Makabresku.

Laura Makabresku is the final photographer that is contributing to inspire the outcome of my images. Like myself Makabresku has portrayed a series of images that depict suicidal tendencies but in such a delicate way, the artists approach to sensitive subjects is intriguing as the images exhibit dark issues yet there is a beauty within them whether that be the soft cool lighting, the peachy glow of skin, or delicate butterflies Makabreskus work is so powerful due to her use of pretty elements that create a delicate outcome.  The figures work showcases images of mental health and death similar to myself although I will be taking a harsher approach to the subjects. Makabresku's take on suicide is very fanciful to look at as if suicide is pretty, in my moodpboard there is an image from her 'fairytale' inspired suicide image the women has delicate white butterflies on her gown and in her hair as her face is resting expressionless with a noose tied around her neck. Reflecting on her work it makes me feel as though her work has some dark concepts she has interpreted them in a softer light the image look like pieces of art, I hope that my pieces look like pieces of art to show that I have delivered the topic tastefully. What I will transfer into my images is the use of skin details to to tell a story about the character.

All three photographers have different styles of photography yet approach what seems like similar concepts, I think I feel inspired by the artists as I am drawn to cool lighting and striking images that have depth to them, I want to create images that are thought provoking, controversial and look like pieces of meaningful art that can be interpreted in the way the viewer wishes.

Hallway

"When we attempt to imagine death, we perceive ourselves as spectators" (Sigmund Freud)

(Perrett,R.W,2013.Death and Immortality.Springer Science & Buisiness Media.)

Freud suggests that when we imagine our own deaths it is impossible to view it from our own perspective as if we have not experienced death we can only imagine how we'd look laying there as if we were someone else. Paul Edwards notes that our emotions towards the death of others will be significantly different as to when we experience our own death, as we do not know what the person's whole experience of life is, although we associate death being a depressing time however the person that may of died may of been happy to die and it may not be such a daunting time for them.

This can be applied to my characters not all of the deaths may have an unhappy ending due to research many suicide notes claim that this is the right time for them to die as they are happy with their life and want to die happy. Therefore our experience of death may be a fearless experience we may die happy of which I am linking to my character, she is choosing to die as she is the most happiest she has ever been.

Suicide notes.

“To my friends: my work is done. Why wait?” (George Eastman,inventor of Kodak,d. March,12,1932)

Eastman a successful inventor who created the roll film, committed suicide at the age of 77. It has been noted that Eastman invited friends around his house to alter his will, after his friends left Eastman made his departure, Eastman shot himself through the heart. Eastman was suffering with spinal stenosis, although Eastman has said he was happy within himself and had made a life changing movement in photography. 

“So that’s it. That’s me. Leaving the world to be a better place.”(Unknown)

Although this suicide note is unknown it is one of the most popular notes found, it's concise and seems as though the victim is happy to go, by saying "That's me." leaves an impression that this person has fulfilled their life and is happy to leave their previous life behind.

“Dear World, I am leaving you because I am bored. I feel I have lived long enough. I am leaving you with your worries in this sweet cesspool – good luck.” 

(George Sanders, British actor, d. April 25, 1972)

Sanders a famous British actor committed suicide at the age of 65, the actor died from taking a drug  Nembutal, with which he left this fascinating suicide note it is not a depressing message and communicates that he has chosen to end his life as he is tired of life and has given all he can offer. It appears as though Sanders has had some episodes of depression in the past after dealing with a failed marriage, I love how he has ended his note wising everyone luck with this corrupt world which has a hint of humour to it, the figure was known for his witty humour, this note is represented of his on screen personality of which is intriguing as it reminds me that in my words I must get my characters personality across to make the notes more striking.

This is interesting as it supports previous research that successful, happy people, some of which have  had no traces of mental illness commit suicide to, not necessarily  to end emotional suffering but because they feel as though they want to choose how they exit this world, as it is possible that they have achieved all that they want to achieve and want to die feeling happy without suffering.
Hypoxia's character

Reflection on research. 

The research implies that although this is a traditionally dark topic to some, many people who commit suicide are not suffering. Whilst researching the question that I often asked myself was Does everyone find death depressing? The research indicates that from a young age it is almost programmed into western culture that death is a bad factor, it is something we must not speak about in great depth. Why? Possibly because as humans we are scared of the unknown 

Is everyone who commits suicide suffering? I feel as though the only people who can answer this are the ones who are planning on or who commit suicide, therefore the closest evidence to suggest that this may be the case was investigating suicide notes, there were three particular suicide notes that I felt communicated the message I am trying to communicate throughout this narrative, that not everyone who commits suicide will be suffering they will be happy to die by choice. I feel as though the viewer may find this narrative interesting as the character will be 'dying' to die so to speak it is something that will excite the character they are not unhappy with their existence yet neither are they truly satisfied with their life and their curiosity to die will make them happy.

Test shoot.

For my test shoot I experimented with the use of string as a thought to cut off the blood supply of which would  be a slow painful suicide, although this is highly unrealistic and has more of a fetish feel to it therefore I moved onto using cling film. I highly preferred the use of cling film, I like how it distorts the facial features you can see the makeup and can create interesting reflections.

Reflection.

Although I like these images they are not the style I would like my final images to look like, as these are more of beauty shots rather than narrative-rich dark conceptual images, they do not communicate a story in a raw sense that I intend to do in my final images. The lighting is far too bright, the images are too clean and basic therefore I will continue to experiment with lighting to get the desired effect.

Inspiration.

For Hypoxia I felt inspired by the images where the facial features are distorted from the plastic as realistically watching a person asphyxiate would not be beautiful, although the figures in the images seem to be trying to gasp for oxygen my character will be enjoying the experience as my character will be the happiest she has been therefore is enjoying the feeling of suffocation, the character will not look desperate to escape her situation. 

Makeup Design.

For the makeup design I want the makeup to be smudged onto the cling film to see the movement of the face, I do not want it to look pretty in any form, the character will have a full face of makeup on to support that narrative that she has arrived home from work and has decided that today is the day that she will go on an adventure to her afterlife. The dark plum lipstick works well with cool lighting and transfers well onto the material. Strong eyebrows and a fair matte complexion are also important elements within this design as the eyebrows will help to convey facial expression, and an matte complexion works well with the lighting as well contributing to creating a deathly looks that contrasts well with the dark lips creating a slight gothic look, of which is also connotating the time of year it is as dark lips are on trend in the winter, telling the viewer that the figure is trend conscious and young.

The character has their favourite berry lipstick on that they've recently brought, cat flicked eyeliner and she is ready to go! She does not insist on being found dead without her look being on trend, fantasising  about her death for a long time she imagines those who find her to know she died happy. How will the spectator know this? From the perfect makeup, she always applies her makeup in this way whenever leaving to go out to some place exciting-implicationg to the viewer this is planned, not impulsive, she wants to look good just as she's imagined her death to be

Lighting.

(https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/419890365238116509/. 4.3.15)

I want the lighting to have a consistent look to it so the same lighting and mood as the first chapter, a cool lighting with quite harsh tones, with blue tint to it. In terms of poses I want my character to looks though she is enjoying her rather slow death,she is enjoying the fact that it is becoming successful. Luckily I am shooting with Toni Ward the photographer I shot the 'Bathroom' series of images with, therefore I am not stressing about the outcome of the images as I am sure they will have an interesting outcome as when we work together it's as if were having a conversation together.

Bathroom Series.

"Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked I shall return".—Job 1:21


 Robert I Simon's abstract 'naked suicide' explores the ideas of why a high percentage of suicides are executed in a naked state. What is interesting about the data collected is that the results suggest the psychological themes seem to refer back to the bible quote above- some victims of suicide believe that dying in a naked state is a way of cleansing themselves of which is linked to bath suicides symbolising a form of baptism and re-birth of which is a theme that I explored within my bath  chapter. I feel inspired by the thought of eroticisation of death although suicide can be viewed as an ugly topic and it is important not to 

romanticise the idea I feel in order to create a shoot with a high 


fashion edge to it in the style of 'Dark Beauty' magazine there is a need for beauty and 

erotic shots to appeal to my audience as well as my own visions. 

(Robert.I. Simon, 2008, Naked Suicide)

Reflection on research. 

I feel as though my research has helped to explore questions I asked myself through out creating my images. Such as why would someone want to be found naked when committing suicide? There are a number of reasons that I found interesting, such as the thought of being found how we were born pure, naked, innocent, vulnerable, are key words that spring to my mind, bathing naked can also be referred back to baptism being cleansed of any sins of which is interesting as in most cases there may be blood in the bath it could almost suggest in some situations that the redness of the blood in the water can represent their 'sins'. Another element to explain why there are a high number of naked suicides could be that some may find the idea of death erotic, is it erotic to fantasise about ones own death? Death is often linked to themes of religion such as spirituality it is believed that one dies their spirit leaves the body, the thought that something has entered the body and left it can be referenced in a sexual sense, some people may be in love with this idea.  This gives an implication that the characters that are naked throughout the project are exploring their natural state and wish to be re-born, or are feeling vulnerable they are in their most vulnerable state, or it is possible the character is obsessed with death and loves the idea of death therefore it can be seen as being an erotic statement- telling the viewer much about their character although it is the intention of the images for the viewer to think about the images, what has happened, what has lead to the suicide, and what is the message to them? As there are many characters a coherent pattern is that anyone can commit suicide it should not be assumed that only those who are in a depressive state will commit suicide, therefore it is important to listen and to communicate with everyone as it could prevent one from ending their life. I want the viewers to analyse the images deeply what is the meaning to the creative, what does the image mean to them? I do not want the viewers to see the image for what it is I want them to dig as deep as myself otherwise I feel as though the project will loose meaning. 

Makeup Design.

The makeup design for this shoot is important as it helps to tell the story, as the makeup will be in water I do not want it to be perfect I want to see smudges and texture. Nothing says glamour more than smokey eye and red lip and glamour is a theme that is explored within this chapter as it works in conflict with the darkness that the character is feeling and the act she is about to commit. For the photoshoot I decided to wear little skin makeup as I felt it did not add much to the images I created in my test shoot with the Go pro and the images had more character to them and looked more realistic with the skin makeup,  I already have a deathly complexion and felt that the outcome of the images look better without foundation. The hair design does not play an important role in this shoot as no matter how I styled it, it was eventually going to end up slicked back, however the texture of the hair was important it needed to look wet but e slightly messy as the character would not have perfect hair. 

(https://uk.pinterest.com/kirachidlow/fmp-ideas/. 25.02.2016)

It is important to show elements of Joiners suicide theory the victim would self harm and would try physical harm to try and overcome the emotional suffering, I understand how important details are within a lot my photoshoots and constantly kept checking my makeup and the images to make sure the photos flowed, as i had to direct myself as I am modelling my project so it was important for me to be aware at all times of every aspect of the shoot, I used story boards to help my photographer get a strong understanding of the desired outcome.


Myself and my photographer Toni both have a strong understanding of how I want the images to look and the emotional response that I'm hoping to revoke. We both share a love for conceptual and taboo concepts and both have a clear understanding of how all elements are important to create a powerful image, of which is why I chose Toni as my photographer for three of my shoots we both understand how to create narrative strong images that will appeal to the audience. We have worked together since we were 17 and have since built a relationship where our ideas flourish.

Bathroom.

Reflection on production. 

I chose to work with glossy products as this captures beautifully in cool natural lighting it also adds a glamour element to the image, the lighting shows the texture of the products well, creating a realistic image. The lighting not only shows the details on the face but also on my arm as scarring was created creating a foundation for the story. As the scarring was made to look as though it was old meaning the scars would be slightly faded and flat, it was difficult for the lighting to highlight the scars, the scars were an important element as they created a foundation for the narrative of the mental state of the character. I had to really think about how I was posing to ensure the details were in the image without the poses looking contrived.

Whilst shooting I had Joiner's interpersonal theory of suicide in mind and remembered how he mentioned that self harm is often a factor of feeling suicidal as a release of mental pain, the self harm helps to tell the narrative, it also makes it seem more realistic showing the state that some may go through before committing the death. The character is meant to look emotionally drained and numb, by looking at the camera I recognise that I may be breaking the fourth wall by communicating with the camera however I feel as though this makes it look less like a photoshoot set up as if there is not a camera in the room.

(https://uk.pinterest.com/kirachidlow/fmp-ideas/ 25.02.16)

In the final two images I love the texture of the hair it reminds me of paint being dropped into water almost making the image look like a real life painting, of which I love as I was not expecting the image underwater to turn out to be as powerful. The smudged makeup certainly communicates the suffering the blood referencing the inflicting pain, the smudged makeup again referring to the mental pain. The facial expression is relaxed to show the character is at peace and communicating the narrative.

The most beautiful suicide.

"The most beautiful suicide."(Andy Warhol)

In May 1974 Life magazine dedicated their front page to 23 year old Evelyn Mchale, the image shows Mchale lay on a limousine, with her legs crossed clutching onto her pearls. The image looks as though it is staged due to the posed placement of the figure. The image is still one of the most famous images of suicide not only because of the beauty that the photo holds but due to the mystery of the suicide, the cause of Mchales suicide is still unknown it is clear to see that she has fallen but was it suicide or was she pushed?

 The suicide note was reported in “Girl Who Leaped to Death Planned Wedding in Troy.” The Times Record (Troy, NY). 2 May 1947: 1,17. The striked sentences were crossed out by Evelyn.

“I don’t want anyone in or out of my family to see any part of me. Could you destroy my body by cremation? I beg of you and my family – don’t have any service for me or remembrance for me. My fiance asked me to marry him in June.  I don’t think I would make a good wife for anybody. He is much better off without me. Tell my father, I have too many of my mother’s tendencies.”⁸





I find Mchales suicide note interesting as it is helping me to find a way to approach the writing part of my project, as I am undecided whether I will write short stories or suicide notes. The note gives an insight as to why the Mchale may have been driven to suicide, it seems as though the suffering become unbearable and Mchale feels as though  death would relieve herself and feels a burden to others much like Joiners theory.

Project development and test shoot.

The stem of inspiration of suicide was brought to life by original texts such as Anderson's 'The Little Mermaid', and Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and 'Romeo and Juliet' all convey a theme of female suicide an issue that has always existed yet is not to be spoken of. It appears that the popular choice of suicide amongst females is by water, here are images that I find inspiring for my water chapter. To move on from my research in my FMP brief I have began to look at water suicides in modern adaptations of the theme.

Suicide IV (1982) by Paul Rebeyrolle

Artist Paul Rebeyrolle created this image of bath suicide in 1982 I find this image interesting as the setting has so much detail to it, yet the person seems to be unfocused perhaps communicationg the message of worthlessness that the figure feels so hollow that they are not worth detail. It is interesting to see how the images of suicide from an artists point of view have changed the art has developed into a more abstract view where detail can be imagined by the viewer. I find this idea of focusing on certain elements inspiring and is an element I will discuss with my photographer so that we can both achieve a striking standard of images.

Suicide in film.

A concern of mine is the reaction of others therefore to see how some of the public re-act to the re-enactment of death, looking at film reviews for a couple of films to see how the audience has re-acted is my closest way of doing so.

"Dark, fascinating, and beautifully filmed, The Virgin Suicides is a memorable and haunting Suburban flick. Its haunting cinematography and its nostalgic reflections on teen life and teen romance produce a work of art that is sad, yet nonetheless beautiful despite its challenging and bizarre storyline."




Many films have explored the seriousness of suicide it is a theme that will never stop, so it is important to show this within modern films and popular culture. The virgin suicides is an iconic film of the 90's.

"Cecillia's death was a cry for help"( Eugenides,1999,The virgin suicides.)

Cecilia was the youngest of the four sisters, her first suicidal attempt was her slitting her wrists in the bath her final attempt caused her death by jumping from a window and impaling herself. As the story commences the rest of the sisters eventually commit suicide due to a suicide pact. It is noted through out the film the characters felt entrapped in their lives and felt as if they was not living,much like Joiners theory of suicide.  What is interesting about this images that the water is lightly coloured from blood and the character unlike mine has not attempted to drown herself, therefore if I am to  create slit wrists I must experiment with the redness in the water and consider how it will affect the image lighting as a whole, a sit may look unrealistic in daylight.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxJA374OCIQ. 18.2.16)

The rules of attraction "without you" scene is where we see an attempted suicide of an unnamed character, the scene is intense and gives a rather cinematic view of suicide it is interesting to see that this character also slit their wrists instead of attempting to drown themselves too.  Anonymous suicide attempters believe that the warmth from the water causes less pain, the water thins out the blood leaving no blood clogs, and it makes the death easier to clean for those who find them. 

Death and Culture.

Many phycologists have come forward to create an Death exhibition in Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. The intention behind the exhibition is to celebrate death, to ensure the masses that death should not be a taboo subject it happens to all of us we all experience grieving at some stage in life, as it is something that happens to everyone they suggest that cultures should come together to celebrate death. Death is genuinely perceived in a negative, daunting light, phycologist!!! suggests that as a society and to children we need to talk about death more to make the topic less scary.

The exhibition displays symbols of death in a string of cultures. It is interesting to see how cultures interpret the death process I will post images of the symbols that I found interesting and why, analysing how they will help me to develop ideas and designs.

The room was dimly lit, there was an unnerving atmosphere as you walked through the display, the exhibition took each individual on a journey through death, the exhibition showed methods of death, and had a section making you reflect on whether we should have the option to end our own lives, the exhibition then continues to display cultural objects of death, right through to the mourning process.

The obvious emblematic figure which represents death in all cultures is the skull. Interestingly the skull has been symbolic of both life and death, I feel as though it is important to include representations of death within my project photoshoots  to communicate a semi- meaning, it could communicate mortality, rebellion or even can be decoded as fear.

The doctors mask is associated with death specifically in Europe and England where the plague had a huge impact of the death increase. Doctors in the 14th century would wear these daunting masks, the beaks would be filled with herbs to block out the smell of rotting bodies. I think the plague mask is rather scary as you can only see the eyes making the person under the mask a mystery, it reminds me of a gas mask of which is a possible way I could explore the theme of affixation within one of my narratives.

 Life or death?

As established death is a taboo subject however after walking past the exhibition of props the display transitioned into a thought provoking experience. Making everyone think about what our personal attitude is towards death and what are the influences? Do we have the right to end our lives? I believe this question is dependent on circumstances, however many may disagree if they are religious as it can be seen as murder and as a selfish act if there are hurt ones left behind, I firmly believe that without being in another position you cannot judge the situation or how much mental suffering one is going through.

At the end of the exhibition I found myself feeling less uncomfortable about death it's a natural process and if anything it should be viewed as an adventure as you do not know what is going to happen after, is there an after life? it may not be the final chapter, the exhibition really does make you question the way you think about the subject.

This exhibition has been used for research purposes to investigate the idea of death further it is important to look at traditional and cultural elements as well as the contemporary to gain a strong understanding and to develop ideas. It has encouraged me to playa round with props to create  meaningful images that stimulate the brain.

Theories of suicide and Religion.

In order to progress within my project I have decided to research the theme of suicide in greater depth, to gain a stronger understanding of the 'suicidal' mind set so that I can portray this in my images and text. It will also give me a stronger foundation to begin to write my narratives, as I do not want to portray my project as being insensitive and ignorant. 

The desire to die is a taboo subject that I believe almost everyone thinks of at some stage, if it is not fantasying about how you are going to die, perhaps not to the extent of suicide but some certainly plan their own death, whether it is considering what flowers you're going to have at your funeral or what you want your sibling to say about you when they speak of you.  A common factor when imagining death is the reaction of others of which may be a possible explanation as to why many commit the act , or is perhaps to make a statement to break the silence like Joiners theory a form of escapism from perhaps an abusive, oppressive life. Is it a statement to not to conform to society? 

However there's a difference between imagining your death versus feeling entrapped in a suicidal mind by researching and gaining an understanding to these theories will help me to develop a stronger understanding of the mind set by looking at both psychological explanations and religious beliefs of the subject. 

The Interpersonal Theory of suicide.

The Interpersonal theory of suicide outlines a theory as to why some individuals commit suicide. Research was conducted by academic physiologist Thomas Joiner to see if there was a pattern associated with suicide and suicidal thoughts.

 Joiners theory consists of three possible explanations. The first phase is linked to the theory of not belonging which is combined with the feeling of being a burden to others. The belief that your life would be better if one was to end it. Joiner believes that the act of suicide is not an impulsive act, it is one that has been planned over a duration of time, early stages of suicidal behaviour can be communicated through self harm- the longer the individual is in mental pain the more the a person becomes numb to physical pain resulting in a high pain tolerance meaning that person becomes almost fearless of death and will go to extreme lengths to make sure the death is executed successfully.

To have all three of these traits is seen as highly critical, those who seem to possess all three traits are usually the ones that will successfully end their lives according to Joiners framework.  From this theory I can begin to create images that can show signs of self harm to communicate the critical state of the character, and her desire to die.

(Thomas E. Joiner,The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide,American Psychological Association, 2009)

Suicide is a form of murder - premeditated murder. It isn't something you do the first time you think of doing it. It takes getting used to. And you need the means, the opportunity, the motive. A successful suicide demands good organisation and a cool head, both of which are usually incompatible with the suicidal state of mind.” 
― Susanna Kaysen, 

 Kaysens view supports the interpersonal theory of suicide, suicide most defiantly is not impulsive people do it as a form of escapism they cannot take the emotional pain within a suicidal mind to end ones life appears to be the only way to end the suffering.

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/419890365238706627/.
Viewed:10.02.16

Anomie.

Anomie is a condition where an individual feels disconnected from society, similarly to Joiners theory the person feels rejected by society as if they do not belong, they also reject self values. The term was created by sociologist Emile Durkheim in his book 'Suicide', Durkheims book outlines the social causes of suicide rather than personal, the issues identified are when an individual struggles with social change, causing them to alienate themselves from social groups resulting them to go into a deep state of depression. 
(John A. Spaulding, George Simpson, Emile Durkheim,Suicide,The free press,1979)

http://powerofdesign.wolfsonian.org/blog/complaint-modern-life
10.02.2016

Man on the Ledge. The artist is Stuyvesant Van Everst painting is an image representing the anomie state of mind, what is interesting about this image is the story behind it is for the viewer to decide, knowing that the anomie theory has been applied when creating the piece gives evidence that the character felt overwhelmed by social issues that one cannot control, leading me believe pressures from work due to the building and clothing. From this image I can understand that the background story is important and can choose to either show it visually, or through the text as well as leaving the viewer to imagine what drove the character to do so.

Religion.

"Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13)

Suicide in Religion is frowned upon Christians believe that only God has the right to deprive anyone of their life, as it is believed that the people in your life still need you and your purpose of life is not yet over. Perhaps the point that suicide is forbidden is why some feel tempted by the act, some may see death in a rose tinted light and romanticise over the taboo, the fear or fearlessness of the unknown after death. 

All religions other than pagans see suicide as a sin this is because the religion is fairly modern and believe everyone is free to make their decisions, although primarily it is not encouraged within the religion, there is no doctrine making it impossible to know what the given rules are for paganism. There is a possibility that pagans are more at risk for committing suicide as the anomie theory suggests those with more social freedom are more likely to commit suicide, pagans believe that there is no evil after life, they believe that all forms of karma only exist in the present.

Hell. Dirk Bouts.

Dirk Bouts image is an illusion of hell. I find the image interesting as murder is believed to be the worst sin within most religions specifically Christianity, therefore stemming the belief that anyone who commits the act will 'fall' to hell. The image is full of semiotics that many of us associate with the underworld, it appears the figures in the image are all being punished, the image for me depicts demonic creatures possibly representing the devil, flames and darkness. Everyone appears to be naked in the image, nakedness is often associated with innocence and vulnerability, however in this situation I believe it denotes humiliation, and not being worth enough to cover the body. 

It would be interesting to incorporate the christian belief within one of the narratives such as having the crucifix as a prop to communicate the characters faith, or perhaps to demonstrate a form of re-birth as the character has found an end to their inner suffering. The bath scene can be communicated as a baptism as christians believe suicide is self murder it will demonstrate the rejection of a social practice and will communicate an end to the emotional suffering of the individual.



All of the information has given me a greater understanding, of the interpersonal and social issues can both lead to suicidal behaviour. The information has inspired me to create images that show how personal and social factors can lead to the feeling of entrapment, it is important for the images to demonstrate the emotional suffering.

'Life after suicide' (BBC One. 19th February) is an insightful documentary about the victims trapped inside a suicidal mind, the ones left behind after the suicide, and the recent physiological factors to help others understand why the act is committed. 

The documentary stated that people are afraid to talk about suicide even though a high percentage of us know someone who has committed suicide, the programme featured those who had lost at least one of their loved ones due to suicide. The partakers admitted that after talking about the act they instantly felt better and feel as though it is not an issue that should be ignored everyone should be able to express their feelings about the issues they are facing. No one should have to suffer in silence if the public spoke more openly about mental health and death then they believe that the suicide rate would decrease, as the victim would openly ask for help if they are having feelings of hopelessness and entrapment.

“If you can talk about it you can be happy again”

Angela's story.

Angela Samata's husband committed suicide 11 years ago, Samata says that her previous husband showed no signs depression he had a happy relationship, a child, a good job and seemed genuinely happy, Samata found her husband hanging in the hallway after a day at work. Angela has confessed that she was extremely devastated and found it hard to carry on with her life like everyone else around her until se began to research the reasons why people turn to suicide, along with gaining understanding on the topic, the figure discovered that speaking to others about the death has helped her to move on with her life. It is also important to talk about a suicide if they had a close relationship with them as it can cause a domino effect causing the person close to them to fall into a depressed state that can lead to suicide. By speaking about the unfortunate event it can help others affected to accept what has happened to make sure it is not repeated and that they are not alone.

“Honesty and openess is the best way to deal with loss due to suicide”

Professor O'connor has worked with over 2000 suicidal patients and discussed the common factors of a suicidal patient. O'connor believes that suicide is an expression of unbearable pain, the victim wants the pain to end and feels this is the right option for them to find happiness, so in some cases it can be seen as a positive experience on behalf of the victim as they are able to escape from the manic depressive state. The professor states that when one is suicidal small problems can be magnified, leading others around them that have never suffered with depression to not be able to empathise as they do not understand the state of mind and believe that the struggle is over dramatic instead of seeing it is a cry for help, leaving the suicidal person reluctant to talk about their suffering which can often lead to self harm or suicide.

It is so important to communicate that I have researched the topic throughly and I myself have experienced the loss of another through suicide, as I understand that the topic should be approached with sensitivity.