Everyday, people experience a series of “downs” that are often described as feelings of depression. Heartbreak. Loss. Betrayal. These times can put you in a place that, in the moment, give the impression that you’re in a place of no return. The grieving process is natural, unique to each individual and although it may share some features of depression - it's important we learn the difference.
Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed - and undiagnosed - mood disorders under the large umbrella of Mental Illness. The illness occurs along a continuum of mild to life threatening — some cases may be helped by a conversation with a friend or a journal entry while others may require professional intervention. Each individual experiences depression in his or her own unique way, but it’s critical we as a society are prepared to accept, recognize and act when we’re reached for.
The loudest silence is an experience intended to amplify the voices that have been kept silent for so long, through photography, literary expression and visual art. The artist sought out photography as a coping method to his depression in 2016. Specifically on this project, he extracted the emotions he struggles with and confined them to still images. The hope is that through these images, the audience can gain a better understanding of his feelings that words can’t really describe.
It’s difficult to fully comprehend what goes on behind close doors; Or what happens at home when no one is around; Or what happens in one’s head day in, day out before it’s filtered for the rest of the world. There are a number of reasons why people feel the need to use a filter. One of the most significant is the daunting stigma surrounding mental illnesses. The artist’s intention is to help people better understand the symptoms and effects of depression, channel the empathy that lies within all of us and ultimately, encourage his audience to be more understanding and accepting.
The loudest silence was created and inspired by concept of time. Time is a commodity, a privilege and is something that is often under-used and under-appreciated. Naim is convinced that patience is critical to understand the underlying message of this piece. He is also convinced that the execution of patience beyond this piece opens the door to more understanding; opens the door to more education; opens the door to more acceptance; opens the door to more empathy; opens the door to more comfort; and most importantly, opens the door to social progress. Patience is a virtue, in all aspects of life.
Every person is one decision away from being a statistic.
