You Are Not You.

 

— PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES —

A curated collection of images exploring moments, mood, and narrative.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Ending a relationship is never simple, but we can learn from both the good and the bad times to grow wiser and more resilient. Our life’s journey is about finding people who uplift us and stand by us through thick and thin. The hardest part isn't simply finding your rock; it's holding onto them, even when circumstances get difficult and emotions run high. That's the beauty and strength of shared history. Will he stay or will he leave?

This is … YOU ARE NOT YOU

 
 

Some of us have experienced deep pain and prolonged hardship — a life marked by soaring highs and crushing lows. ‘You Are Not You’ follows a woman through both her most luminous and her most difficult moments.

In this series, I wanted to explore a relationship that is blindsided: one person walks away during the hardest chapter of the other’s life.

Longing ●◦ Memories ●◦ Struggles ●◦ Grief ●◦ Acceptance

 

With struggle comes the opportunity to transform into a new, stronger version of yourself. The audio portions are saved voicemails Mark has kept over the years of his relationship with Sarah, fragments that trace their highs and lows.

We wonder: where did things go wrong?

Reflecting on and learning from these difficult experiences is essential—and perhaps even more valuable than we first imagine. Learn from the past, let it inform you, and then move on …


#youbymoniquelai

 

Featuring Jebediah Shorten

 

Finding a new “You” takes great courage and inner strength, patience, and the willingness to embrace change.

#moniquelaipicture

 

This project came together relatively fast, even though the idea took several years to fully develop.

Edith shared a personal story and concept, and I had long considered how best to translate her sentiment into visual form.

I’m incredibly grateful to collaborate with Jebediah Shorten on this series.

The audio uses real voicemails exchanged between Mark and Sarah, underscoring the arc of their five-year relationship; their identities will remain anonymous.

 
 

A PHOTO / AUDIO INSTALLATION :

FEATURING

Jebediah Shorten

Mark

Sarah

ORIGINAL CONCEPT

Edith Chan

HAIR / MAKEUP

Edith Chan

SPECIAL THANK YOU

Matthew Osborne, Tina Kan, Mark, Sarah

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