Camille Sanson is a New Zealand photographer based in London who has worked across fashion, portraiture and still life photography. Her last series entitled Absolution reflects her personal journey into motherhood. Camille Sanson actually became pregnant during the shoot and so this series of photographs was shot before, during and after her pregnancy and attempts to explore and highlight the numerous mental health issues that she and many new mothers experience.
Produced in close dialogue and collaboration with model and mental health advocate Gina Harrison, Absolution takes viewers through the difficult process of facing and letting go of one’s fears. Realising the affective nature and effects of her own fears, Camille delved deep into the collective pain of the feminine as a source.
The images expose Camille’s experiences and healing of past wounds regarding a fear of childbirth and motherhood, but also address issues related to wellness and mental health often concealed due to social and cultural stigmas. The artist intends to show how in embracing and exploring darkness, we can find liberation and eventual progression, freeing oneself from patterns and ideologies that exist as harmful limitations.
Camille Sanson comments: “I would love this exhibition to inspire women with mental health issues to seek their own healing through addressing their subconscious fears and finding a deeper connection within themselves and their shadows. It is not easy to undertake these journeys but ultimately so important if we are to strive to have a happier life, especially when bringing new souls into this world, so we can avoid transferring our own issues to our children and continuing unconscious patterns within them.”
Camille Sanson, Absolution
29 January –3rd February, 2018
Herrick Gallery 93 Piccadilly, Mayfair
London W1J 7NQ
United Kingdom
