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Jen

SPar

Living vs Existing

Final Artwork

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Artist Statement

My thought process here in keeping with a theme of mental disorders is that Living vs Existing exhibits depression very well. The idea of how depression can affect a person's life is very well expressed in the idea of how it feels for a person to live versus merely existing. Living is when a person has a purpose and is making the most of each day. Existing is when one is merely going through the monotony of life. They aren't very motivated and have no real enjoyment. I believe the best way to exhibit these feelings is through the process of waking up in the morning. For a person with depression the idea of getting up in the morning is very difficult and one of the worst things. A person without depression may not love getting up in the morning, but they would not struggle with the simple action nearly as much. 

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I chose to use portray this as a diptych to truly exemplify the differences. The person who is Living (on the left) is stretching and smiling as they get up for the day. They are excited and ready to face the day. The Living side of the bed is in color to show the bright feel, and that feel is also shown by the sunlight brightly streaming into the room. The desk has teddy bears and is completely clean to exemplify a put together life with a sense of happiness. The bed covers are also very neatly being pulled back. The entire Living side is supposed to feel happy, welcoming, bright, and put together. The existing side is first and foremost in black and white in order to show the lack of motivation and happiness. The desk is a mess of tissues and papers and other materials to show a lack of control or cleanliness, which usually comes along with depression. The bed sheets are rumpled and a mess as well to show distraught and discontent. The person is reluctantly sitting up and sadly hugging a pillow in order to show the despair at the thought of getting out of bed in the morning. This side is supposed to feel lifeless, sad, unmotivated, and out of control. The two sides are to be two extreme opposites to show the feeling of truly living versus merely existing.

Unedited Picture

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Contact Sheet

Sketchbook

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Jennifer Spar Photography

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