Amanda Sinclair

My work is predominantly concerned with dream state that occurs within the psychological occurrence of sleep paralysis and post-traumatic stress disorder. This project explores the relationship between the stability of sanity and decline into fantasy, which to the sufferer of this condition can result in hallucinations and insomnia. This series of images are intended to revealan encounter between the subconcious and reality. My work is inspired by a personal history of trauma, which resulted in many years of living with this disorder. In recollection of memories, I created a series of multi-layered images which were able to characterize the aesthetics of often fearful visions combined with a cinematographic presence.

I have chosen to confront this project by creating compositions that embark on well-known tropes and provide a surrealistic characteristic, which generate storylines within each picture. The subject matter of my work is influenced by 19th century gothic literature and artwork. Mortality is the underlying theme and during the process of gathering memories, I included notes I had taken during this period which gave an anchor and balence to the work. If selected, I will include the writing.

This final selection of photographs is a testament to my personal experience which became a strategy in overcoming  a period of traumatic encounter thus resulting in the balance of fine art and theaputic procedure.