Early 2019 I finally received the diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I use the word ‘finally’, because I have been dealing with it for a long time. The condition cannot be fully explained by a general medical condition and is therefore often incorrectly labeled as psychosomatic.
IBS is a disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract that has a lot of influence on eating and toilet habits, and therefore on daily life. It can lead to pain and awkward situations, especially if there is no toilet, or if this interruption isn’t appreciated.
During the period before my diagnosis, I came across many stories on the internet of people who were in the same boat; they were not taken seriously. Not only people with IBS, but also with other invisible conditions. I want to make these disorders visible so that they will hopefully get more attention.
With the series FODMAP I focused on visualizing the condition IBS. I listened to the stories of others with IBS and translated this information into staged portraits and stills. I want to expand this project with more disorders, such as Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
This series was nominated for GUP New Talent 2021.
FODMAP has been identified as the main cause of symptoms in people with IBS.
F ermentable
O ligosaccharides (fructans and galactans): wheat, onion, garlic and legumes
D isaccharides (lactose): dairy products
M onosaccharides (fructose): honey and certain fruits
A nd
P olyols (sugar alcohols): certain fruits and vegetables