“Hard Pills To Swallow” dissects the modern world of psychiatric medication. Each bottle displayed represents a different side effect of pharmaceuticals manufactured to treat mental disorders. The vibrant colors and whimsical nature of the piece pulls the viewer in, like the promise of being healthy often draws a sick person to medicine. Upon closer inspection the viewer sees the visceral horrors inside the bottles, and is offered a darker view into the world of this nefarious industry. As a mentally ill person who has tried many different medications with varying results and also experienced firsthand the effects of benzodiazepine addiction, this suspended work exemplifies the hate-love relationship many have with medication and the various ways it can alter your body.
AVERY JAM 