Kickoff Project: The Dark Room

Our kickoff project is an exploration in photography as it relates to mental health, communication and personal disclosure. Dubbed “The Dark Room,” the project was inspired by board member and professional photographer Omar Chennafi. And as its name suggests, “The Dark Room’ metaphorically and literally brings  photography together with mental health. 

 

Objective

Just as a dark room is essential for developing photographs and revealing images from negatives, this project aims to bring to light the hidden mental health struggles among participants. It also seeks to offer a platform where emotions and experiences, often obscured in the darkness of stigma and misunderstanding, can be brought into the open and viewed with clarity and empathy.

 

Execution

Facilitators will equip student participants with a disposable camera. Over several months, mental health professionals lead the participants in a series of guided interviews with their parents or a family member aimed at helping both parties see new aspects of each other. Throughout these interviews, the participants will take a series of pictures that chronicle this journey, and the various emotions they experience. Students are invited to photograph other things that they consider relevant to their mental health journey as well. 

 

Outcome

The project will culminate in a panel discussion and photographic exhibition that documents  the complex, emotional journey of vulnerability, transparency and understanding.