Emma McMillan

This project explores the intimate and often hidden world of chronic pain, with a specific focus on migraines. As someone who has grappled with chronic migraines throughout life, this project is deeply personal and aims to shed light on the unseen symptoms and enduring pain that characterise this condition. For those who do not suffer from debilitating migraines, they are often not understood and therefore are commonly under-represented as a chronic illness.

The ceramic material used in this project is intended to convey the nature of a solid, weighty, all-encompassing mass of chronic pain, contrasted with the hope of the fragile passing of pain to relief. The artwork serves as a tangible representation of the often invisible struggles and diverse ways these conditions can manifest. By addressing both visible and invisible aspects, my artwork aims to promote reflection on the perception of chronic illness, encouraging empathy and understanding.