Dewi Lewis is unveiling new books in Arles, including Laia Abril’s The Epilogue, a demonstration of the editorial possibilities of the intimate account of an underestimated societal scourge: bulimia. As part of a broader investigation into this devastating illness, which is often associated with the exacting standards of beauty imposed by the all-powerful fashion industry, Abril met with the parents of Cammy Robinson, who died of the consequences of bulimia at age 26.
Abril pieces together Cammy’s life through interviews with her loved ones, precious family albums, medical certificates, letters, newspaper clippings and excerpts from Cammy’s journal, all presented in their original format and materials. Fragments of text like “She promised me she had quit vomiting,” and “I remember feeling relieved because she was in a safe place,” are found throughout the book.
The documentary diversity reflects the complexity of this unfathomable tragedy and the regret at being unable to prevent it. Bulimia is both hidden and visible, psychological and physical, a reaction to external and internal pressure. The Epilogue is a cathartic work for the Robinson family, retracing the ups and downs of Cammy’s struggle in an effort to understand it.
http://www.dewilewis.com/collections/forthcoming/products/the-epilogue-1
