Images of Isolation is a photographic essay designed to visually bring to life the impact that eczema has on patients' lives, and to allow those living with the condition to share their stories. Approximately 35 million Americans suffer from eczema, a chronic condition characterized by recurring flare-ups of red, dry, and itchy skin. It can appear all over the body, including the face, elbows and knees.
Known for his unique use of a Polaroid camera to photograph A-list celebrities, Jeremy Kost teamed up with the National Eczema Association and Novartis Pharmaceuticals to capture images of children and adults from across the United States who suffer from eczema. Images of Isolation, a collection of Jeremy's poignant photos along with the words of those who participated, vividly illustrates the isolating effects of eczema without actually showing the condition.
Images of Isolation was developed to raise awareness about eczema and to educate people about the emotional impact of the condition on patients and their families in a powerful and unique way. It was created to encourage those who suffer from eczema to seek care from their physicians, to ask about appropriate treatment strategies and to manage their condition.
Inspiration for Images of Isolation came from ISOLATE, a large-scale study conducted to assess the impact of eczema on the lives of those living with it and how patients and caregivers manage the condition.
Inspiration for this photographic essay came from the International Study of Life with ATopic Eczema (ISOLATE), revealing the extent of the emotional suffering caused by eczema.
A large-scale study, ISOLATE assessed the impact of Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, on the lives of those living with it and how patients and caregivers manage the condition.
The global study was comprised of interviews with 2,002 patients from eight countries over the age of 13, and caregivers of children between the ages of 2-13, with moderate to severe eczema. The questions were developed by national patient associations and physicians from countries included in the study.
The study was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Novartis Pharma AG.
Study Results
On average, 55% of patients are either always or sometimes worried about the next eczema flare and 51% are either always or sometimes unhappy/depressed
On average, 86% of patients avoid at least one type of everyday activity during a flare-up
5% of caregivers and patients feel that being able to effectively control eczema would be the single most important improvement to their or their child's quality of life
On average, 43% of patients are fairly or very concerned about being seen in public during an eczema flare
The most commonly affected part of the body in patients during eczema flares was the face and neck regardless of age, gender or severity
On average, patients take 2.5 days off school or work per year due to eczema and a further 9% of the time their concentration is affected at school or work while in flare
74% of patients and caregivers state that their physicians have never discussed the emotional impact that eczema has had on their lives
Jeremy Kost has developed a unique approach to celebrity portrait photography – with his Polaroid camera, quickly earning the reputation of the new 'anti-paparazzi.' Influenced by Warhol's New York, he found inspiration in the eclectic and gritty characters and sites of New York's famed underground East Village and Lower East Side. Jeremy was touched by the energy and honesty of these shots and found he could translate their character and integrity to his work with celebrities and the New York fashion elite, who have gravitated to his aesthetic.
Jeremy is now a regular contributor to GIANT Magazine with his RoidRage column as well as the sole artist behind his site, RoidRage.Com, one of the leading celebrity/pop-culture destinations on the web. He has photographed numerous events, including the Mission Impossible 3 premiere, the Independent Spirit Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards and continues to shoot celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Alan Cummings, Beyonce Knowles, Lindsay Lohan and Sarah Jessica Parker.
