Imaani Dar

My practice has confirmed a number of deep seated notions, yet it has also brought a handful of surprises along the way. To begin with I recognised the opportunity it presented for not only a deeper exploration of cyclical childhood trauma but also a pathway to use photo-therapy

as a method of self-therapy. Through storytelling, I was able to reveal my true reflection of trauma via various recreations of the past. I have constantly battled with feelings of inadequacy due to neglect and absence of parental figures and it took a considerable amount of grappling with my own vulnerability in order to create intimate and familiar scenes.

Nostalgic places and moments we encounter during childhood embody our most treasured and valued memories and that dissociative memories can cause familiarity to be found within physical objects. These objects, in whatever form we are able to recall, allow those who have experienced trauma to gain an elevated sense of calm and balance, essentially allowing brief respite from present worries and stress. Displaced from any one location, my practice represents personal escapism found within the materiality that surrounded me during my trauma.

My work is heavily influenced by religion, drawing upon visual aspects of art and architecture as seen in both Christianity and Islam. To identify a sense of ‘worshiping’ I choose to place myself sitting on the rug, surrounded by greenery to engage elements that are seemingly reflective of my own personal reflections.