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# Fractured Fine Art Series
- URL: https://blog.citywavestudios.com/fractured/
- Published: 2024-10-07T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-10-07T00:00:00.000Z
- Author: Robert Geeck
- Tags: #Import 2026-09-11 18:46

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07 Oct, 2024

[Projects ](https://blog.citywavestudios.com/blog/?category=projects)

## A Visual Exploration of Vulnerability and Mental Health

![High contrast black and white image of water splashing against dark background.](https://blog.citywavestudios.com/content/files/images/pixieset/2024/fractured/01-deafb8418f.jpg)

## Fine Art Series by Robert Geeck

The *Fractured Photo Series* began as a personal exploration of fragmented identity and the complex emotions tied to mental health. This series reflects my ongoing journey with AuDHD, aiming to visualize the internal dissonance that often comes with living with such a disability. Through these images, I sought to convey the intense emotions and experiences I’ve struggled to communicate through words. Each photograph serves as a visual representation of the feelings that often remain unspoken, offering a glimpse into the inner world I navigate daily.

The title *Fractured* comes from a deeply personal place—rooted in the feeling of being broken as a person. This year, unemployment has disrupted my sense of security and stability, leaving me with a profound feeling of disconnection. Through this series, I explore the emotional toll of that instability and the challenge of rebuilding my confidence and self-worth. Each image serves as a reflection of the emotional weight that words often fail to express.

The concept behind this series was initially sparked by an image I encountered from Jonnell Bird and Kya Liann. Their use of a sheet in their photography was intriguing. The way the sheet distorted and obscured the human form resonated with me, perfectly encapsulating the feeling of being trapped behind an invisible barrier—thin yet impossible to penetrate. This inspiration became a key part of the visual language in the *Fractured* series, helping me express the emotional themes I wanted to explore.

#### **Concept Development**

The *Fractured Photo Series* emerged from a difficult period in my life. After losing my full-time position in April this year, I found myself walking a tightrope of uncertainty. This overwhelming feeling of drowning, with little to no help and no clear escape, became a central theme in the series. It felt like I was so close to the surface, yet unable to break through, even though my problems seemed small or thin in comparison to what others might see. The weight of that struggle was crushing, and it was something I needed to express visually.

Another significant experience was the moments of panic I often feel, where a hollowness settles in my chest—a void that leaves me questioning whether I even exist or matter. This sense of nothingness, the emotional emptiness, became another layer of the concept, a feeling I wanted to capture through the series.

Lastly, I was grappling with the unsettling prospect of being told I might need to consider full disability, which felt like a prison sentence. The choice between stability and security at the expense of my freedom, or retaining my freedom but living without stability, became a major point of internal conflict.

These emotions—the fear of losing autonomy, and the sense of being broken and hollow—became the driving force behind the *Fractured Photo Series*, as I tried to make sense of the instability in my life.

![Artistic black and white photograph taken at night with dramatic lighting.](https://blog.citywavestudios.com/content/files/images/pixieset/2024/fractured/02-18bf402d86.jpg)

### **Shooting the Series**

I chose photography as the medium for this series because it’s not only my passion but also the most powerful way I knew to visually convey the emotions I was experiencing. I wanted to capture everything practically, without relying on digital tricks. Photography allowed me to focus on the raw, authentic visuals, making the final images more impactful by keeping them grounded in reality.

The sheet became a critical part of the shoot, serving as a symbolic barrier that I couldn’t pass through. During the shoot, water was poured over me while I was behind the sheet, representing the sense of drowning in nothingness—an invisible force that suffocates but remains unseen. The chain I incorporated represented the conflicting idea of security as a prison, holding me back from embracing the uncertainty of freedom. Finally, the chalkboard was used to create the hollow space in my chest, helping to bring to life the feeling of emptiness that often grips me.

Given that I’ve been freelancing and surviving financially with difficulty, purchasing new equipment wasn’t an option. I had to work with what I had, which presented some unique challenges. The biggest hurdle was lighting—capturing the water in the way I envisioned required strong directional light, which wouldn’t have worked with flash. The only light I had available required 120v AC power, but fortunately, I had a small battery bank that could handle a house plug. Though we had limited time, we made it work, just enough to get the shots we needed.

For lighting, I used a 60W light with a beauty dish on a light stand, which became the key tool for the entire shoot. I also supplemented it with a small tube light to add light. Despite the constraints, I was able to capture the images in a way that felt true to the emotional themes I wanted to express.

![Behind-the-scenes photo shoot setup at night with lighting equipment and a ladder in a dark outdoor setting.](https://blog.citywavestudios.com/content/files/images/pixieset/2024/fractured/03-cd1e652a02.jpg)

![Person holding a rope while standing near outdoor steps at night.](https://blog.citywavestudios.com/content/files/images/pixieset/2024/fractured/04-95a3b9ad0c.jpg)

### **Challenges Ahead**

One of the biggest challenges in creating the *Fractured Photo Series* was working under such tight deadlines. With limited access to powerful lights or a proper studio, I chose to shoot on location at night, which added another layer of complexity. This meant working in the dark and relying on the limited battery power we had for the lights. Every shot was a race against time, making the entire process feel even more intense.

Another significant obstacle was having to rely on others to help execute my vision. I knew from the start that I would need to model for the series myself, as I wasn’t about to ask someone else to endure the physical discomfort of being waterboarded for my art. Since I couldn’t trigger the camera remotely while getting water poured on my face, I had to enlist the help of a few very supportive friends. Their willingness to step in and help was essential to the success of this series, and it reminded me how crucial collaboration can be in bringing an idea to life.

While there were no major lessons learned, this project felt like a culmination of over a decade of experience in photography and film. My knowledge and skills allowed me to pre-plan effectively and avoid potential pitfalls. Knowing what would work and what wouldn’t before the shoot helped ensure everything ran smoothly, despite the obstacles.

![Dramatic black and white portrait showing a person in white fabric against dark background.](https://blog.citywavestudios.com/content/files/images/pixieset/2024/fractured/05-406f57fe35.jpg)

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the *Fractured Photo Series*! If the project resonated with you, please feel free to like and comment on the series on [**Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/robsinadarkroom/?ref=blog.citywavestudios.com)—your feedback means the world to me. I’m also offering signed copies of the prints for purchase, which you can find at the links provided below.

By purchasing a print, you’re not only supporting my work but also helping to cover the costs of getting these pieces into local galleries and art shows. Every bit of support brings this project closer to being shared with a wider audience, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.

Thank you for taking the time to explore this series with me. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

[8 X 10 Signed Prints](https://citywavemedia.pixieset.com/printstore/store/product/signed-print-fractured-series/?ref=blog.citywavestudios.com)[Signed Framed Prints](https://citywavemedia.pixieset.com/printstore/store/product/signed-framed-print-fractured-series/?ref=blog.citywavestudios.com)

![Black and white photo showing a figure in motion pulling on a rope in darkness.](https://blog.citywavestudios.com/content/files/images/pixieset/2024/fractured/06-03fd3b38dc.jpg)

![Dramatic low-angle black and white shot of a figure standing on textured ground.](https://blog.citywavestudios.com/content/files/images/pixieset/2024/fractured/07-9dc90c1060.jpg)

![Black and white photo of water splashing and creating a dramatic spray pattern against a dark background.](https://blog.citywavestudios.com/content/files/images/pixieset/2024/fractured/08-cc39e07c87.jpg)