Sample bipolar image by Pere Ibañez: “Fireworks” aims to capture the light-headed rush and sudden energy that might come during a manic episode.
In 2017 CandleX is continuing its cooperation with famous Spanish photographer, Pere Ibañez, in creating a photo series to portray the moods of bipolar disorder. This first-of-its-kind event aims to give those interested an opportunity to experience the emotions associated with the illness.
We started having photoshoots in November 2016, We have photographed 6 community members to date. The first picture had its premiere at the Los Angeles Center for Digital Art in December 2016. More photos will be released throughout 2017. Later on selected pieces will be featured in an online photo album and interactive exhibition in Beijing.
Our photographer, Pere Ibañez, is known worldwide for producing works that evoke strong feelings. Some might find his photos shocking or intimidating, but they explore aspects of human nature that too often are underplayed and trivialized. His first photographic collection, EneME, has been released in 22 countries to date. The Leftlovers and Generation Y, his second and third series, both ranked #1 in iTunes sales for art ebooks in Spain. Pere Ibañez, born and raised in Barcelona, currently lives in Beijing.
What is Bipolar?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mood disorder that causes unusual shifts of great magnitude in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. It is a severe and debilitating mental illness, and only started to receive societal and academic attention in the past decade.
The Prevalence Rate for bipolar disorder is approximately 1.1% for the population over the age of 18 (US National Institute of Mental Health). This means that at any one time, 51 million people worldwide suffer from bipolar disorder, with 12 million people in China, and 2.2 million people in the USA.
What are the Activities for Models?
Photos are one of the most powerful tools to present a feeling or an idea. Therefore, we would like to express the experience of bipolar with the creativity of Pere Ibañez. We are launching a second round of applications for people who are interested in modelling for these photoshoots, prior to which, we will offer an experiential workshop on emotions, with details as follows:
MoodlaB Emotional Wellbeing workshops: the second workshop will take place in March, 2017 (exact day to be informed)
Weekly Photoshoots: Between March to April 2017, exact timing to be liaised with model and photographer.
One Model One Story: Some selected models will be asked to share their personal mental health story and experience about the project.
All events are free of charge.
How can I get Involved in the Photoshoot?
We are looking for:
People who are interested in learning more about bipolar and mood management to join us in MoodlaB workshop.
People in the Beijing community with an interest in being models for photoshoots.
We would require the following of models:
Commitment to join our MoodlaB Emotional Wellbeing workshop on emotions and moods.
Open and easygoing mind-set – models may be required to be partially nude in the photos
Priority will be given to those, who have had experience with bipolar disorder – either first or second hand
This is a great opportunity to learn more about mood and emotional management through the free workshop, and a chance to experience what it is like in a professional photoshoot!
What’s the timeline?
Apply Now
Click here to fill out the online application form.
All information in the application form will be kept confidential and only within the CandleX team. We will hold a short phone interview with suitable candidates.
For any questions, feel free to email us at: info@candlex.cn
MoodlaB: It’s more than just a photoshoot.
CandleX is dedicated to increasing awareness of bipolar disorder in Beijing. For this reason, the MoodlaB Project was kicked off in Sep 2016, and will go on till the end of 2017. Moodlab photoshoot, being an important element of this project, is just one of the 9 activities that we have.
