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I’m Not My Body. A story about euthanasia

Head On Photo Festival 2024
Michel Petillo
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Michel Petillo
This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Paddington Reservoir Gardens, 251-255 Oxford st, Paddington
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Photojournalism/Documentary, Portrait

The series illuminates the complexities of living with impairment and pain, focusing on euthanasia as a deeply human journey rather than an impulsive choice. It challenges the dichotomy of right and wrong, advocating for compassion in discussions about euthanasia.

Through confrontational, private, and delicate photography, Claire revisits trauma, reassesses her beliefs about love and death, and redefines her relationships with family and friends. In 2016 I met Claire C., a then 33-year-old wheelchair-bound woman who has endured severe pain, epilepsy, and spastic quadriplegia since childhood, leading her to contemplate ending her life. Despite this, she remains resilient—owning an apartment, hosting refugees, travelling globally, and performing in theatre. Since 2012, she has sought effective treatment for debilitating foot pain, initially dismissed by the medical community as psychological. However, a 2017 intervention revealed nerve damage, resulting in a spinal neurostimulator implant that ultimately failed to alleviate her pain. Claire now grapples with the decision between euthanasia and the hope of finding a medical solution in the future. This body of work aims to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discussions surrounding euthanasia.

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Michel Petillo

Michel is a Brussels-based photographer and psychotherapist who began his photography journey in 2009 at the Berlin School of Photography. His documentary work, inspired by social, political, religious, and environmental issues, has garnered numerous accolades, including first place for his euthanasia project at the 2019 PX3 State of the World awards. His series on Brexit and Ireland was added to Harvard University’s academic collection in 2020. Michel regularly participates in international exhibitions, with notable solo shows at the Africa Museum and the Forest City Outdoor Exhibitions. His work has been published in several magazines, including Revolve and Dodho.

This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Paddington Reservoir Gardens, 251-255 Oxford st, Paddington
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Photojournalism/Documentary, Portrait
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Max Mason-Hubers

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