Stand Straight (2007)

In my late adolescence I was diagnosed with scoliosis, a medical condition which has created a 25-degree curvature in my spine. This condition has caused a great deal of pain in my back when performing certain physical tasks as well as the inability to stand up completely straight no matter what amount of effort I exert. In addition to the pain and discomfort, I am often asked by others to "stop slouching" or to "stand straight." Sometimes comments are made to me about my "poor posture." This series of photos is comprised of self-portraits. A dark line has been drawn down the center of my chest and along my spine on my back, emphasizing the curvature of the spine. Over the course of the series, I make attempts to "stand straight," or at least to cause the dark line to appear vertically straight, allowing the camera to capture the resulting discomfort, pain, and exhaustion.

The following is a sampling of images from my Stand Straight series (all Untitled, warm tone silver gelatin prints):