A Joining of Self by Suella Holland

An essay accompanying the work of photographic artist Suella Holland in Source magazine's themed issue titled, 'Wounds', Summer 2024.

Suella Holland’s 'A Joining of Self' was produced as part of her MFA in Photography at Ulster University during which she explored photography and stitching as a means of articulating childhood trauma. "Making photographs assists in regaining a sense of control and can help process emotions and experiences that have been unspeakable, whilst stitching on to the image or including stitched words as part of the image aids in the reconnection of self". The work is introduced by Jennifer Good whose research is about the photographic representation of conflict. "Having worked for some years on photographing the desolation of abandoned Irish houses (and there is no silence like the silence in Irish houses, abandoned or not), she now puts herself into the picture, in order to find her way out".