This Elusive Body

Several years ago, Hélène lost part of her physical autonomy. And yet — no one can see it. This sense of imperceptible disability brought with it an added layer of pain: invisible disability. An invisible disability manifests as a condition that is undetectable to others, yet involves a persistent inner struggle. While the nature of these disabilities varies, the experiences often share common ground — pain, extreme fatigue, a feeling of being out of sync, discrimination, or the sense of not being understood. She asks herself: how can she translate the experience of invisible disability into images and words? She meets with two individuals living with different invisible disabilities. They share with her their most intimate sensations. Subtle shifts in their bodies express emotion —physical and psychological pain —and above all, heightened vulnerability. Each accompanying text asks the same question: "What gives you the feeling of not being 'able-bodied'?"