Searching For The Happiness

Russell dyer

https://www.russelldyer.uk/project/searching-for-the-happiness/

Artist Statement

During the covid-19 pandemic, record numbers of people have suffered with poor
mental health and reports of domestic violence have increased exponentially. Sadly,
survivors of domestic violence often find that a profound lack of understanding leads
to victim shaming, isolating them further and compounding the physiological effects of
consistent and prolonged distress.
With a culture of toxic masculinity, men especially are inclined to suppress emotions,
meaning self-diagnosis, self-medication and self-harm are a more common course of
action than seeking support. Combined with a regressive attitude towards mental
health provisions, help is not always easy to find when needed.

Searching For The Happiness tells the story of a survivor of domestic violence
throughout childhood and the subsequent mental health challenges they now face as
an adult. The series explores their visual memories of traumatic events and triggers,
challenging an unequivocal reading of the world through ambiguous narrative and an
atmosphere of suppressed trauma. The series reflects upon a need for changing
attitudes towards both survivors of domestic violence and those who suffer from
mental health illnesses.
SEARCHING FOR THE
HAPPINESS

Searching For The Happiness tells the story of a survivor of

domestic violence throughout childhood and the subsequent
mental health challenges they now face as an adult.
 I'm glad when you're near,
And I'm sad when you're here,
That is what it's like to be me,
And as it falls from your mouth, it seems like you needed it more
 So this is continuous happiness.
And you know, I always imagined it something more.
Take the time to talk about it
Think a lot and live without it
Don't believe me when I tell you
It's something unforgivable

www.russelldyer.uk