Lauren Hamilton
Lauren Hamilton is a contemporary, Irish visual artist, who works with photography and moving image. Her practice centres around the visual storytelling of hidden narratives, often drawing upon psychological theories that explore issues of unremembered memories, identity and femininity. Lauren aspires to invite the viewer into metaphysical worlds created through the lens, asking them to experience these worlds intimately. ‘My photography gives me access to people and places both physically and emotionally, so for me it is important that I have a responsible and reflective approach.’
HYSTERA
The term ‘hysteria’ is derived from the word ‘hystera,’ which translates from Greek to ‘womb’ or ‘uterus’. Hysteria became associated with the theory of the wandering womb which was introduced by Hippocrates. This theory claimed that the uterus was a living creature that would, when unsatisfied, detach itself from its rightful place and ‘wander’ around the female body, causing chaos and inducing hysteria. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition included many invasive and painful procedures. The use of photography in diagnosis required the patient to perform their symptoms for the camera, revealing a long, disturbing history of the medical treatment of women and their bodies. Drawing on the cultural history of the 'hysterical woman' and ancient Greek medicine and mythology surrounding the womb, Hystera intimately reflects on the experience of living with endometriosis and the challenges of receiving such a diagnosis. Endometriosis is a long-term, chronic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining 'wanders' outside the uterus. This project takes a deeply personal yet universally relatable approach to explore this condition.
Photobook
Hystera intimately reflects on the experience of living with endometriosis and the challenges of receiving such a diagnosis. Hystera reflects on the history of the hysterical woman and plays on the Greek theory of the wandering womb to visually manifest the pain and suffering of the woman experiencing endometriosis. The book divides into two parts while sustaining a personal diary entry layout. The beginning of the book explores the pain and invasion that went along with the diagnosis procedures. The second part of the book explores, through the metaphor of the wandering womb, the pain and sensations I experience with this condition.