New Photo Show: "From Darkness to Light" Spotlights Photographers Confronting Mental Illness

July 31, 2014

By Cynthia Boylan

An inspiring new photo show explores how photographers confront and, in many cases, overcome depression and mental illness through creating images. Founded in 2012, the Broken Light Collective provides photographers of all skill levels, who are affected by mental health challenges, with a safe and supportive environment in which to display and develop their work.

Alyson Vega, My Enduring Rusty Pier (2011) Digital photograph, 8" x 10" Edition 1 of 10

The new show, titled From Darkness to Light: Photographs by Broken Light Collective, includes selections from the group, which is comprised of over 10,000 photographers from more than 150 countries. The 36 photographers featured in the exhibition come from all over the globe and have been affected by a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and autism.

The goal of the group, according to a recent story in the New York Times, is to use the art of photography as an effective means to fight the stigma and raise public awareness while enhancing the lives of those affected by mental illness.

From Darkness to Light is curated by Danielle Hark and presented through the Fountain Gallery Visiting Artists Program.

The show is on display at the Fountain Gallery, Fountain Gallery, 702 Ninth Avenue in New York City until August 13th.