Decay of Duchenne

2012, 4 minutes

A short documentary about an abstract photographer with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

‘The Decay of Duchenne’ follows Tyran Hawthorn, a 2nd year photography student at the University of Portsmouth, as he exhibits a selection of photos entitled 'Modern Vanitas'. Suffering from the incurable and terminal muscle degenerative disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the exhibited photos portray a careful selection of decaying fruits, all closely representing the condition of his own body and what it is essentially doing to him at a slower pace. Taking inspiration from horror films and metal music, the photographic outlet gives Tyran an opportunity to express his anger and emotions, encouraging him to remain a more positive person. ‘The Decay of Duchenne’ finds his unique story by exploring his creative processes, the motivations behind the photos and his ability to express his thoughts on mortality and the passing of time clearly through the surrealist eye of the lens.

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