OBSESSIONS AND COMPULSIONS

This project is built around OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), a mental health disorder in which individuals have recurring uninvited thoughts, known as ‘obsessions’, that instigate them to perform certain behaviors called ‘compulsions’. It is a visual exploration into the theme of OCD in the form of a publication. The goal is to expose the reality of this disorder and allow the audience to go on a journey of truth through visuals and text that would simulate an obsessive experience. To create this impact, I resorted to metaphors and used Arabic script to impose a shocking and disturbing sentiment on the audience as mental health is a taboo in the Arab world.

Embossed Book Cover

Poster Series

The diagram consists of information gathered from interviews with individuals suffering from OCD and extensive research about this condition.

Trichotillomania (hair-pulling) is illustrated by petals being picked off (1), intrusive thoughts (2), an obsession with hair follicles (3) and a wounded scalp (4).

In OCD, order and balance go way beyond "perfectionism". The split landscape seeks to mimic this obsession by integrating pencils, binders and papers, elements that highly preoccupy individuals with this subtype.

Fold-out spread.

This subtype is characterized by uncertainty and overwhelming doubt which drives individuals with this form of OCD to check if an action has taken place a specific number of times. This behavior alleviates their anxiety temporarily.

This subtype touches on sexuality that can manifest itself in a religious context (9) or even through a constant questioning and fear centered around their sexual orientation (10). Individuals living with OCD manage to sometimes blend in (11), at others their don't (12).