The iLL project, by John Dunne, is a palpable commentary of sketching, drawing, and painting. It is his depiction of how mental illness, homelessness, and missing people are portrayed in society.
Be it that they have disappeared entirely, taken to living on the streets, or lost a distinct aspect of themselves to addiction or mental illness, the missing have become the focus of his latest collection of contemporary art.
As with any social stigma or societal taboo, the problem we seem to immediately confront when dealing with such issues is how to talk about them – how do we communicate with or about something that is invisible, or has disappeared entirely?
An expert of communication and brand exposure in his role as Creative Director of design agency, The Unknown Creative, John has found a thought-provoking way of doing so in his latest body of work.
Interviewed by Joanna Morris of The Northern Echo, he said: “these are not pretty pictures, but I believe they’re appealing and every piece has a message behind it. It’s about connecting people to these issues, a lot of which get swept under the carpet.”
“Mental health, addictions, eating disorders, homelessness – I wanted to raise awareness. These are forgotten people. I want to tackle misconceptions around those who suffer and show the world as it is. I want us to question how people are treated and bring it to people’s attention.”
Pieces like: ‘Exposed’ (right, top) and: ‘Homeless Angel’ (bottom) depict the austere existence enforced upon, or sometimes chosen by people who have been left with nowhere else to go. And with austerity itself such a prominent feature of modern news, now seems to be a perfect time to observe and consider the insight of this bold, forthright collection.
Starting with: ‘The Bars’ (above), Morris detailed her experience of viewing the eclectic collection of drawings and paintings: “A faceless boy sits on a barrier, kicking his legs with a cigarette in hand whilst stark images of addiction contrast with suggestions of recovery’.
The sense of recovery throughout this body of work provides an auspicious sense that there is an answer to these problems, and that it starts with increasing awareness – whatever aspect of a person has gone missing.
Leee John, of 80’s pop sensation – Imagination – bought ‘Homeless Angel’ in 2016 – all proceeds of which were donated to homeless charities. On receiving the A1 canvas, he said: “it’s so special and shows many sides to homelessness. I am overwhelmed!”
Through continued exposure, the missing move closer to being found. John’s ability to depict the unknown aspects of their journey sheds light, and honesty, on a somber side of society’s unseen.