@SABRINA_BROUWERS

Poems of Sentiment is a visual response to ‘Statement of Lydia B. Denny' (1863). The pamphlet addresses the very dark matter of domestic abuse and male dominance in the Victorian era. Lydia had been violently abused by her husband, and when she looks for help she is accused of insanity and taken to a mental asylum. Eventually, she is released into the 'care' of her husband where the abuse continues.⁠⁠

The design of this visual essay is inspired by Lydia's continued calls for help in the asylum where she secretly wrote letters out of stolen pencils and newspaper. The essay brings together salvaged materials and old photos using digital and physical experimentation to create an essay with the feel of a chilling personal diary.