Photography has long been a medium for exploring the margins of society, where issues of mental health often reside. Diane Arbus challenged perceptions by portraying individuals with raw vulnerability, while Mary Ellen Mark’s intimate portraits—particularly those from her work in psychiatric institutions—invite viewers to witness lives that are frequently overlooked or misunderstood.

Elisa Berdica, a psychologist and photographer, brings together both fields to offer a thoughtful perspective on how visual storytelling can open up deeper conversations around mental health. In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, this reading and screening delves into how photography captures and confronts psychological realities. Through excerpts from Susan Sontag and Robert Adams, and reflections on the work of Diane Arbus, Mary Ellen Mark, and Nan Goldin, this English-language talk explores the power of the image to reveal, question, and empathize.