After writing several articles for Metro UK online, Aiden felt the need to tackle the subject of the “invisible illnesses” that affect the population but aren’t talked about due to shame and stigma associated with mental wellbeing. As someone who suffers from Trichotillomania himself, Aiden was positively surprised to see a project that explores this condition openly and provides a very personal point of view onto the daily experiences of a Trichster (short term refering to a person with the Trichotillomania condition). So he requested an interview with me, and provided me with a series of questions that placed emphasis on informing the audience about this condition, and also explore the relationship between the difficulties of the Covid-19 Lockdown and its influence on the wellbeing of those with mental conditions. 

Read the article here

Working on this piece with Aiden was an incredible experience, and one that I will surely not forget. Having an article written after one of my artworks is something I never expected to happen and specially not about a subject that is so personal and was the source of the shame and isolation I felt during most of my life. For this reason, I am incredibly grateful for having my work presented to thousands of people, letting them know that they are not alone in their struggles and inspire them to come forward as well as feeling better about themselves, while also educating the audience on mental wellbeing. It is not only important to break down the stigma on mental health but also to incentivise people to support each other, or reach out for help when needed. 

See my TTM Lockdown Calendar project here

Read other articles written by Aiden here