Paranoia
Sam Nugent
I decided to portray this image after watching the film ‘Cancer Tales’ about the lives of several people after their diagnosis of cancer. The characters in the film talked of their feelings as they would, for example, walk down the street. They spoke of an immense feeling of paranoia, as if everyone was looking at them, as if everyone knew they had cancer, despite the fact they actually looked no different, as in the picture.
The simple imagery with no colour prevents a person looking at the picture from immediately noticing the differences between the characters; the image is meant to convey the similarities between people in the general public, and yet at the same time show the central character to be feeling socially rejected, self-conscious and very different.
Whole Person Care – Year One
I find this drawing cleverly represents alienation and paranoia often felt by patients after a diagnosis. They had a specific place in their universe and knew exactly where they fitted but this world can be turned upside down in a matter of seconds and never be the same again. Patients’ lives often have to be totally remodelled around their disease and a new balance put into place. Therefore, they feel like they do not belong anymore, that they are suddenly different even if nothing apparent has changed.
This is a really good portrait of isolation and self-consciousness which I feel can be extended to many people experiencing illness. The figures are simple, but they manage to convey the emotions of the characters extremely aptly so that you immediately understand the story behind the picture. Thank you for this.
This piece of artwork is great as it shows how although everyone is similar to each other, almost identical in many ways, the central character still feels isolated and different from the rest. Invisible illness and disease can change how someone sees themselves even if there is no outward change. It shows this in such a simplistic way and it’s easy to see the message of the drawing even without reading the reflection.
I really like this piece as I think it represents how many people feel about themselves. So many people have ‘hidden’ or ‘secret’ things about themselves/illnesses that make them look no different on the outside, but make them feel as if everyone else around them knows.
It can cause people to feel alienated or alone, I feel it represents how many patients may feel, particularly after a new or life changing diagnosis.
This piece is a great insight into the mental battle those with illnesses which don’t manifest with visible symptoms.
The title suggests that this is not a real situation; but one that is commonly found in the minds of people when in public. The central character looks identical to the others besides some who appear older (walking stick) or younger. This highlights that the main character feels isolated for no reason other than this invisible illness they have, further emphasised by the distance kept between the others and the main character.
The body language of the main character, arms crossed and looking downwards, shows how many people can be reluctant to try to integrate with other people out of fear, or being defined by the illness they have so become further isolated.
I like this piece because it is so expressive even with such little detail. The figures are mouthless and almost faceless however you can still tell that the central character feels isolated even with people around them. This is further portrayed by the hunched body language and crossing of the arms. The more you look at this image, the more obvious the differences between each character are even though at first glance they all look extremely similar. I think this is a good portrayal of solitude and paranoia that can be caused by many mental and physical health issues.
I like how this piece cleverly portrays a patient’s feeling of isolation and fear after being diagnosed with an invisible illness. The image is made from the perspective of the main character’s head where it’s shown they feel as if others are looking at them, leading the person to look down at the ground and cross their arms. Characters in the image, which represent wider society, are seen pointing and staring at the central character which further emphasis the alienation the main character is feeling. Additionally, all characters in the piece are drawn without mouths to indicate how the central person feels as if they are just a spectacle, and that although others may feel sympathy, they don’t know how to truly help the individual: by having a conversation and making the person feel less isolated.
This piece reminded me to consider all the hidden things that people around us may be experiencing, everyone has their own struggles which are not necessarily visible to others. On the flip side it can feel like they are the biggest thing in the world to us individually. In the case of cancer it can often feel like once that bomb is dropped on someone, their entire experience of life could forever be changed, not just physically, their emotions and belief systems, relationships and behaviours could change. Having all the figures around the central figure looking at them helps to highlight the overwhelming feeling of isolation, it is an emotion that may have only come about after a cancer diagnosis, where it feels like nobody understands what it feels like to be in your situation.
The way in which the directions of the drawn eyes aren’t clear leads you to believe they are looking at the main person whether intentional or not is a great way in which, it showcases how the centre person doesn’t know each person or their story or thoughts but is immediately pushed to assume a certain scenario due to prior circumstances. The world view of the person affects how the characters appear in the picture. They are all designed in the same art-style (partly due to it being drawn by the same artist) showing how the centre person can only see them and how they act through their own lens and ideas. In this case, they assume they are isolated and being watched. Whether accurate or not is another discussion.