#lightsidedarkside

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This piece of art, called Light Side/Dark Side (2006), by Marina Abramovic, resonates with me and my project because this idea of conflicting sides that exist within a person relates to my struggle with Trichotillomania. It is a disorder that is self-destructive (representing the “dark” side of me) but at the same time, it is still a part of my identity and  it has helped me grow as a person (representing the “light” side of me). Regarding how it has actually helped me in some way despite causing a lot of stress, it has allowed me to become more patient with myself, to accept that I make mistakes (every time I give into the urge to pull), and that I can grow and learn from it (it is only hair and it will grow back). I found this artwork even more relatable because the dark side is represented by a black hand and for me, my hand is what causes the damage because it is with my own fingers that I am pulling my hair out. But with this struggle, my mind becomes stronger and I become more resilient in dealing with this because I’m determined to not allow this disorder to control how I perceive myself (both physically and mentally); and this more positive outlook is demonstrated by the light side of the face/head.