Marvel Harris
Inner Journey
This series forms part of a long-term project, “Inner Journey,” which follows my personal struggles with gender identity, autism, and mental health. Through photography, I have learned to understand the roots of my conflicts and to express emotions that, because of my autism, I previously struggled to make sense of. The process of making these portraits allowed me to connect to the world around me at a time when I needed it most. Growing up, I did not know I was autistic, and my body and perspectives did not conform to society’s binary norms. Like many teenagers, I just wanted to feel accepted. I tried to fit in by mimicking social interactions and behaviors, but in doing so, I sacrificed much of my authenticity in order to survive. Having lacked examples of people with whom I could identify, I want my work to serve as a voice for those struggling with their identity or mental health but who cannot find the words to express themselves. In this autobiographical story, where photography and life entwine and merge, I invite others to participate in my vulnerability, offering them insight into my mind. I created a book, “MARVEL,” which contains a curated selection from this series of self-portraits taken between 2014 and 2019, showcasing my personal journey and exploration of identity. By making my lifelong journey of self-discovery visible through my camera, I hope to contribute to an increased awareness of issues surrounding gender identity and mental health, and to help build a more inclusive and understanding world.
