Emma Pearce

Convalesce is a documentary photography project that investigates the reflection an individual has on their experience with trauma. Trauma has been described as a physical injury or as a behavioural state resulting from mental and emotional stress (“Merriam-Webster,” 2018). The project addresses different forms of physical trauma experienced by individuals from Wellington and Auckland from accidents to tumours. Each person involved in Convalesce has their story told in a triptych; encompassing photographs of them in their home and text derived from conversations with them. By separating each person from one another, viewers see each person and their story as a separate entity. Everyone has a story; this is a selection of kiwis reflecting on theirs.