Elisabeth Stephan is the artist behind “Burden We Carry” on Instagram. It’s a series of photographs in which each person writes on their back the burden in which they carry.
As Artist Elisabeth states, “We all have baggage. We get to the point where we get to see what the other‘s been carrying around all these years.”
DIBS: What inspired you to start “Burden We Carry“?
In March 2020, my grandfather gave me my deceased grandmother's diary in which poems and thoughts were written. The headline of an excerpt read "The imprisonment of being is tormenting". This sentence didn't let go of me. Through conversations with my grandfather, it turned out that this apparently outward strong, disciplined and independent woman had suffered a lot internally during her last years. She didn't want to be what she thought she had to be.
After that, I had a vision at night. I dreamed of a picture - a naked woman with this sentence on her back. I questioned it and I asked myself if my grandmother had this burden during her final years without noticing it. How many people are out there with similar feelings and how well do you actually know the people around you? Does everyone have a burden and you don't know anything about it?
DIBS: What is your intention with the burden we carry?
I want people to start talking not only about their strengths but also about their weaknesses. Personally, I think it's much more courageous to talk about that than the other way around. I want people to start dropping their masks. It gives people permission to be human and relate to one another. A sense of community. I am using this tool to remain that way.
DIBS: What’s the best part about being an artist?
You are free. You can make a difference.
You can hold up a mirror, question, reflect on and criticize society. Listening to your parents, friends or critics never changes anything. Art can only be alive if you take all your liberties. That includes disappointing expectations.
DIBS: How does your work comment on current social and political issues?
Many of our burdens, physical and mental illnesses are based on today's society and politics. They are a reflection of it.
The fast pace, the pressure to perform, the exemplified trend towards self-optimization, the expectations of others, as well as the loneliness of the individual, especially in cities, lead to obstacles and barriers for each individual. I think the western world is at its zenith.
DIBS: What’s the best way to lighten the load?
By focusing on the problem, opening up, and tackling it. One will find many people out there who are similar.
DIBS: Describe your idea of artistic success!
To change or shake up society, even if it's only a small part of it. In the end, every artist wants to make a difference.
DIBS: Lastly, what has been inspiring you lately?
A young woman who fearlessly faced and conquered her brain tumor without going blind or ending up in a wheelchair. I was very impressed by her zest for life and her new view of the world.
