
Obsession in Isolation builds upon the themes of mental health and obsessional behaviours explored in Obsession for Perfection (2018) and Obsession at the Asylum (2019). In this work, ritualistic actions are used to visualise the obsessive traits inherent in mental health challenges.
When the UK entered its first social lockdown due to the Coronavirus, individuals with existing mental health conditions faced significant disruption to their routines and social interactions. For those with PTSD, the term “isolation” became especially triggering, evoking memories of extended periods of confinement in psychiatric hospitals or institutions.
Obsession in Isolation sought to address the obsessive and intrusive thoughts exacerbated by the lockdown. The artist repeatedly traced the top of a prescription bottle cap along all four walls of the room, a gesture intended to resonate with others struggling with their mental health during this time. The repetitive nature of the action provided a way to mentally recalibrate, offering a sense of calm amid the external chaos.