Lauren Gaunt

Altered State

Centuries of artwork present epilepsy through the observer’s perspective. Medieval depictions show “fits” befalling the afflicted with grotesque and contorted faces. Religious paintings illustrate bodies possessed by spirits godly and demonic. Medical staff staged photographs in psychiatric wards and colonies that housed the feared “feeble minded epileptics.”

Altered State visualizes the patient’s perspective. I draw from historical records, patient testimonials, and my experience living with an unpredictable illness. In this series I explore how religion and ancient medicine have sought to govern the body and mind and juxtapose these practices with the feeling of lost control. With oils on canvas, I recreate the overwhelming experience of losing consciousness and ownership of the body.

Light in Darkness

Light in Darkness highlights the bits of light and beauty found even in the darkest days of winter- and the euphoria of emerging from months of hibernation.

Collection of Wounds

I have a photo archive of past wounds- sunburn, poison ivy scars, paper cuts, road rash. These wounds span several years of my life, and though this fascination with skin and wounds began subconsciously, it has since led to a deeper reflection of the resilience of the human body.

This series of paintings translates my own small wounds to canvas, focusing both on the wince-worthy aspects of broken and bruised flesh and the beauty found in the healing process. In addition to being a collection of very intimate self-portraits, my work examines the wear our skin goes through on a daily basis and the way the world physically marks us.