THE STARVING ARTIST: UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS IN ART

THE STARVING ARTIST: UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS IN ART

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

12:30 – 2:00

Zoom link will be sent upon REGISTRATION

Abstract: 

Ally Zlatar's practice-led research project addresses: To what extent can contemporary art concerning eating disorders enlighten us about perceptions of self-identity within a broader context of mental health and well-being? Central to this study is her own positioning as an artist who has been diagnosed with an eating disorder. She uses self-experience as data (i.e. stories and texts) to explore daily life experienced both physically and mentally to create artworks and examine the profound depth of thoughts, feelings and challenges one endures when one is ill. The lecture will focus on looking at some key artists and also Zlatar's own artwork to gain an in-depth exploration and development of what it means to live in an unwell body with an eating disorder. There will also be discussed considering the role of gender in terms of body image associated with eating disorders, the sexualized body and how institutions can better aid those who endure mental illnesses through edifying what an individual “lived experience” endures both physically and mentally.