Who we are & why we are

Welcome to the gallery site of Broken Light Collective. We are artists of all levels and abilities who are affected by mental illness. We create and we share our work for the therapeutic benefits to us, as well as others who may be struggling and feeling scared and alone. Together we can move from disconnected to collective.

Kalani Paranoid

Photos taken by contributor Brandon Halley, a 20-year-old fine art photography student from St. Louis, Missouri. Brandon suffers from severe anxiety and depression, and is currently in recovery from self-harm. Realizing that photography and digital art were the only ways he knew how to relieve stress in a healthy manner, he started doing it more often in hopes of being noticed and making a living off of it, all while improving himself personally.

About these photos: “My university has been dealing with a lot of issues regarding sexual assault and the overall safety of our students, and the student body does not feel like the administration is doing nearly enough to combat these issues. Because of this, I’ve decided to use the only voice I have, photography, and speak out about these issues by creating a series of photographs of men and women in locations on campus where they do not feel safe along with superimposed adjectives describing how they feel while there. I hope you enjoy, I’ve had quite an experience doing this, I am looking forward to continuing it.

Find more from Brandon at his website.

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**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here ▸ Now a 501(c)3 non-profit! Please donate here.

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9 responses to “Are We Safe?”

  1. kmanderson11 Avatar
    kmanderson11

    Very moving.. Keep up the great work!!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Incidental Scribe Avatar

    I hope the school listens. All students should feel safe.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. karifrances Avatar

    Great concept. Keep using your voice!

    Like

  4. Britta Avatar

    I love this series, it’s a great idea!

    Like

  5. Pictures of Cities Avatar

    Very effective idea of tagging pics with words to express feelings, even though it hardly leaves any space for alternative interpretation. The distance that you take from your models is a very interesting approach.

    Like

  6. Diana Perkins Avatar
    Diana Perkins

    What an awesome, and powerful way to advocate for students at universities, as well as all learning institutions. The chosen captions closely align with the photos you captured. I do hope that photography and digital art continue to give you both a voice for others as well as yourself in relation to your depression and severe anxiety.

    Like

  7. galeweithers Avatar

    Photos replacing words – love the concept and think these photos speak volumes. Hope the people who need to hear what’s being expressed will sit up and seriously take note.

    Like

  8. johngevans13 Avatar

    Keep up the great work Brandon!! I have been through the same trauma in the USMC in 1972. Photography also became my outlet of recovery. Stay creative and you will succeed only because you are so good at what you do. Your voice matters as I have taken great notice and have heard you. Be good to yourself and always stay creative. The journey is worth it !!! Love and prayers always!

    Like

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