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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Hydropomanic Magic, 2009

by Susan Nicole Gosper

Hydropomanic Magic, 2009

The hypomanic state of Bipolar disorder is comparable to having one's head in a water-filled fish tank. The world floats in uncharted time, modulating sight, movement and perception. This reality is inviting though dangerous: one inevitably drowns when left underwater for too long. The hypomanic state is renowned for affecting one's mood and creativity. Energy increases as sleep time reduces. Thoughts and ideas are limitless and confidence is elevated. This work was made during a period of hypomania: its production is relative to the conceptual matter. The metallic hues reflect the grandiose nature of one's mood and self-identity. The goblets represent self-medicating habits that are adopted during this manic phase. When left untreated, a hypomanic state elevates to full mania and psychosis where delusions, paranoia and hallucinations haunt one's reality. Inevitably, one drowns when left underwater for too long.

NYSPP 2010

National Youth Self Portrait Prize
(More information, View all 15 images)

The Dreamer
Self Portrait as Burke
Self Portrait
Molonglo River

Related information

Hugh, 2009 by Hugh Marchant
Hugh, 2009 by Hugh Marchant
Hugh, 2009 by Hugh Marchant
Hugh, 2009 by Hugh Marchant

National Youth Self Portrait Prize

NYSPP 2009

Previous exhibition, 2009

An annual event, the National Youth Self Portrait Prize seeks to encourage young people to embrace self portraiture and its expressive possibilities.
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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