I was afraid to turn off the light at night... I knew it would happen again. It was somewhere between dream and reality that I experienced.
My artistic exploration delves into the realms of fear, vulnerability, and the haunting phenomenon of sleep paralysis. Originating from the solitude of my childhood, where I found solace in a room filled with books, pens, colors, and the blank canvas of loneliness, my journey takes a profound turn into the nightmarish territory between dreams and reality.
The catalyst for my artistic endeavor emerged during my college years when I encountered the gripping grip of sleep paralysis. Trapped between 2 and 3 am, a weight pressed upon my chest, rendering me immobile and breathless. It was a recurring nightmare that blurred the lines of existence, leaving me questioning the boundaries between life and the supernatural.
In 2017, the experience manifested differently, as unseen forces assaulted me, casting me into a hallucinatory abyss. The struggle to discern reality from the otherworldly haunted my nights, prompting a paralyzing fear of turning off the lights. My attempts to articulate this torment to others were met with skepticism and dismissed as mere dreams.
Discovery struck in 2016 when I stumbled upon a documentary on sleep paralysis. Realizing that others shared similar encounters, I delved into research and began sketching my experiences. In 2018, I translated my ordeal into visual art, creating a series that encapsulates the ethereal nature of sleep paralysis.
Through this project, I aspire to demystify the specter of sleep paralysis, weaving personal narratives into a broader tapestry of understanding. By sharing my intimate struggle, I aim to raise awareness and foster empathy for those haunted by this enigmatic condition. My art serves as a bridge between the surreal world of sleep paralysis and the collective consciousness, inviting others to explore the shadowy recesses of the mind.