Graduate Exhibition

Joel Bobbin's work is informed by themes of identity, communication and self- expression. Joel is particularly interested in the technological advancements of communication, exploring how mobile devices allow an instant form of correspondence and how different individuals use this as a means of defining themselves. This technology has enabled Joel to connect and maintain a friendship with an individual who struggles with everyday things that are often taken for granted. ‘State of Being’ uses language to represent a relationship Joel has with a close friend who has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The text has been carefully selected from SMS messages communicated over a period of time. The words are depicted in various shades of black and are arranged tonally to depict a figure. The figure symbolises the human condition while the words represent the debilitating disorder. The multiple, transparent layers describe the fragility, depth and complex nature of the experience of BPD.