Wed April 15, 2015
Overcoming Challenges Daily
SEE EVENT DETAILS
at San Jose State University School of Art and Design
(see times)
Dan Fenstermacher
Artist Statement
Overcoming Challenges Daily
Within these photographs, the viewer has the opportunity to be involved in an exploration of what it is like to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). By revealing the omnipresent lingering effect of OCD, these photographs demonstrate authentic experiences that without being framed would remain unnoticed and misrepresented.
These narratives represent the true nature of OCD. Each person depicted has courageously agreed to face his or her fears, doubts, and worrisome thoughts (obsessions) that cause their anxiety, and reenacted a ritual or setting (compulsions) that attempts to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions. This is the same method as Exposure Response Therapy, used to treat many individuals who suffer with disorder. The shadows represent the unwanted obsessions that are often lingering in the mind of someone who has OCD.
By giving the viewer a window into the daily challenges we face, and overcome, it is my intention that this project demonstrates the powerful effect that sharing stories can have on others. I have adopted the ‘Greater Good Motivation’ of going beyond oneself by sharing my experience with OCD as a method of trying to help others who also struggle with OCD and similar mental health related challenges. Because of this project, I am no longer embarrassed about having OCD and have felt a greater sense of freedom and purpose in my life.
By combining activism and art, the stories in these photographs attempt to contradict the misleading stereotypes, perceptions, and stigmas encompassing public knowledge of the disorder. My goal for this work is to inspire those who suffer to seek out help as many individuals find a better quality of life through therapy, as well as give a genuine persona to all those who OCD negatively affects.
show less
Artist Statement
Overcoming Challenges Daily
Within these photographs, the viewer has the opportunity to be involved in an exploration of what it is like to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). By revealing the omnipresent lingering effect of OCD, these photographs demonstrate authentic experiences that without being framed would remain unnoticed and misrepresented.
These narratives represent the true nature of OCD. Each person depicted has courageously agreed to face his or her fears, doubts, and worrisome thoughts (obsessions) that cause their anxiety, and reenacted a ritual or setting (compulsions) that attempts to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions. This is the same method as Exposure Response Therapy, used to treat many individuals who suffer with disorder. The shadows represent the unwanted obsessions that are often lingering in the mind of someone who has OCD.
By giving the viewer a window into the daily challenges we face, and overcome, it is my intention that this project demonstrates the powerful effect that sharing stories can have on others. I have adopted the ‘Greater Good Motivation’ of going beyond oneself by sharing my experience with OCD as a method of trying to help others who also struggle with OCD and similar mental health related challenges. Because of this project, I am no longer embarrassed about having OCD and have felt a greater sense of freedom and purpose in my life.
By combining activism and art, the stories in these photographs attempt to contradict the misleading stereotypes, perceptions, and stigmas encompassing public knowledge of the disorder. My goal for this work is to inspire those who suffer to seek out help as many individuals find a better quality of life through therapy, as well as give a genuine persona to all those who OCD negatively affects.
Dan Fenstermacher
Artist Statement
Overcoming Challenges Daily
Within these photographs, the viewer has the opportunity to be involved in an exploration of what it is like to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). By revealing the omnipresent lingering effect of OCD, these photographs demonstrate authentic experiences that without being framed would remain unnoticed and misrepresented.
These narratives represent the true nature of OCD. Each person depicted has courageously agreed to face his or her fears, doubts, and worrisome thoughts (obsessions) that cause their anxiety, and reenacted a ritual or setting (compulsions) that attempts to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions. This is the same method as Exposure Response Therapy, used to treat many individuals who suffer with disorder. The shadows represent the unwanted obsessions that are often lingering in the mind of someone who has OCD.
By giving the viewer a window into the daily challenges we face, and overcome, it is my intention that this project demonstrates the powerful effect that sharing stories can have on others. I have adopted the ‘Greater Good Motivation’ of going beyond oneself by sharing my experience with OCD as a method of trying to help others who also struggle with OCD and similar mental health related challenges. Because of this project, I am no longer embarrassed about having OCD and have felt a greater sense of freedom and purpose in my life.
By combining activism and art, the stories in these photographs attempt to contradict the misleading stereotypes, perceptions, and stigmas encompassing public knowledge of the disorder. My goal for this work is to inspire those who suffer to seek out help as many individuals find a better quality of life through therapy, as well as give a genuine persona to all those who OCD negatively affects.
read more
Artist Statement
Overcoming Challenges Daily
Within these photographs, the viewer has the opportunity to be involved in an exploration of what it is like to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). By revealing the omnipresent lingering effect of OCD, these photographs demonstrate authentic experiences that without being framed would remain unnoticed and misrepresented.
These narratives represent the true nature of OCD. Each person depicted has courageously agreed to face his or her fears, doubts, and worrisome thoughts (obsessions) that cause their anxiety, and reenacted a ritual or setting (compulsions) that attempts to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions. This is the same method as Exposure Response Therapy, used to treat many individuals who suffer with disorder. The shadows represent the unwanted obsessions that are often lingering in the mind of someone who has OCD.
By giving the viewer a window into the daily challenges we face, and overcome, it is my intention that this project demonstrates the powerful effect that sharing stories can have on others. I have adopted the ‘Greater Good Motivation’ of going beyond oneself by sharing my experience with OCD as a method of trying to help others who also struggle with OCD and similar mental health related challenges. Because of this project, I am no longer embarrassed about having OCD and have felt a greater sense of freedom and purpose in my life.
By combining activism and art, the stories in these photographs attempt to contradict the misleading stereotypes, perceptions, and stigmas encompassing public knowledge of the disorder. My goal for this work is to inspire those who suffer to seek out help as many individuals find a better quality of life through therapy, as well as give a genuine persona to all those who OCD negatively affects.
show less
Date/Times:
San Jose State University School of Art and Design
100 South 9th Street, San Jose, CA 95112
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