Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can spiral out of control, disfiguring their sufferer’s lives. In response to this difficult condition, UK-based artist Thomas Wightman created this intricate book sculpture for his major project at Edinburgh Napier University. In this work, Wightman visually re-interpreted the inner turmoil of those with OCD.
When the book is closed, the sculpture is hidden from view just like OCD is frequently hidden from others. When the book is opened it reveals a sinking ship being pulled under in a vortex, a metaphor for those with OCD whose anxiety can induce a loss of breath, like drowning in water. The artist says that he “wanted to add the anchor and typographic rope showing these problems can be solved and the ship can be saved in the same way as those who suffer from OCD when they receive proper treatment.”
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