In "žI want to disappear", I try to explore and give insight into the life worlds of persons who suffer from an eating disorder or already have overcome it. I aim to avoid the reproduction of clichéd representations and instead focus on the personal narratives and experiences of the protagonists, who all agreed to share and contribute to this undertaking.
Anorexia, Bulimia and related Phenomena are increasingly widespread. According to the ANAD, up to 70 million people of all ages and genders are currently worldwide suffering from an eating disorder. There is evidence to suggest that it is young women in the Western world who are at the highest risk of developing them and that the degree of "žWesternization" increases the risk. Heightened body awareness, unrealistic beauty-ideals and the emerging trend for self- optimization, dieting and fitness are also one but far not the only reason for young persons to feel insecure about themselves and their appearance.
Nonetheless, the topic is treated often in a quite one-dimensional way and is used by media rather as a keyword than being presented as a serious illness. A closer examination often is prevented by an omnipresent taboo connected to the topic.
By using a collaborative approach and in cooperation with women and girls who were willing to share their experience, I aim to establish a different perspective on this subject, which is capable to overcome black-and-white-patterns. Therefore, I didn't only take photographs myself but also conducted lengthy interviews, and collected drawings, sculptures, writings and pictures of the protagonists.
