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Artist: Ally Zlatar
Age: 24 Country: United Kingdom
For such a long time, I thought if I was thinner, I would be happier. Instead, quite the opposite occurred, and I became confined to my body. (Zlatar, Artist Journal, p. 47)
While my Eating Disorder began at the age of 13, I was formerly diagnosed with Anorexia at the age of 17. The Eating Disorder consumed my life for over 10 years. Since then, I have developed a distorted relationship with food, weight, and body image. My central problem was not so much the external physical ramifications of the illness, but rather the internalised psychological and emotional struggles that I have experienced. My approach is pertinent within this work since there is much need to give voice to those inflicted with Eating Disorders and to counterbalance the detached ‘clinical’ perceptions of the illness. The reality of living with the ‘inner torment’ deriving from these diseases is unbearable. It is incredibly difficult to express how having an eating Disorder can impact the self-identity and self-image of someone who is ill. My art emerges from this personal experience of these Eating Disorders and how I represent my body within my artworks.
Disclaimer: Entries to the Art for Well-Being Competition (“Artwork”) have been developed by members of the public. The named artist(s) alone are responsible for the views expressed in the Artwork. Presenting the Artwork by PMNCH/WHO does not imply that they or any content contained therein are endorsed or recommended by PMNCH/WHO or represent the decisions or the policies of PMNCH/WHO. Furthermore, the mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by PMNCH/WHO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.
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