Newry photographer Caoimhe to launch epilepsy-themed photography exhibition | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Newry photographer Caoimhe to launch epilepsy-themed photography exhibition

Newry photographer Caoimhe Clements is set to launch an epilepsy-themed photography exhibition.

Caoimhe, 21, was diagnosed with epilepsy as a new-born baby.

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She has been seizure-free for around two years but said she used to have partial seizures lasting around 30 seconds every month, leaving her feeling panicked, overwhelmed and very emotional.

 

 

She takes Keppra to manage her seizures and finds tiredness, stress and anxiety are her main triggers.

Caoimhe says she’s had a really positive experience with the NHS but says it has still had a massive impact on her life.

“Epilepsy has definitely had an impact on my mental health. Having anxiety has affected my life because it would make me worry and stress out. Having epilepsy, in general, is a challenge – it’s hard to express it to people, especially people who don’t understand it,” she said.

As a student photographer, she is now hoping a new exhibition she is planning for November 2019 will document what it is to live with epilepsy and raise awareness about the condition.

She continued, “I have always been an artist and I always felt photography came naturally to me and could express exactly what I am feeling.

 

 

“One of my most successful photography projects so far was a series of five portraits of me expressing mental health and it’s on permanent display in Belfast. If photography could act as my therapy, then it was mine. I wanted to have that power to create work that would help others just like photography has helped me.

“As a photographer, I want to create work that helps and inspires others. Using epilepsy as the focus was very important to me because it means I am finally talking about it – something I never really did before. I chose to do a photography project on it to inspire others and let them know it’s ok not to be ok sometimes.

Caoimhe says her exhibition will feature a series of images taking viewers on a journey of education to help them to understand epilepsy.  “For example, I have photographed Keppra – the tablet I take to control my seizures,” she said.

“Besides this image, I’ll explain the difference it makes and how it helps people like me. I have also photographed the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast as this is where I used to go as a child for my epilepsy. This will be my way of educating people about the condition,” the Newry woman added.

 

 

The launch night of the ‘From the inside out’ exhibition will take place from 7 pm – 9 pm on Saturday 2 November at The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, 1A Bank Parade, Newry.

The exhibition will run throughout the month of November.

Caoimhe is also fundraising for Epilepsy Action and will be selling signed photography prints on the night for £5.

To find out more, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/caoimhe-clements

 

 

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=67783

Posted by on Oct 28 2019. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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