How to Disappear Completely

My project 'How to Disappear Completely' is a conceptual series of portraits dealing with the visibility, challenges and importance of introverts in a society dominated by extraverted ideals.

Being the centre of attention, very outgoing and talkative is seen as promising. Those who speak their minds are perceived as smarter or better leaders. In our society, the ideal of extraversion dominates, and introverts often don't have it easy: many things that come easily to extraverts and are considered the norm are exhausting for people on the introverted spectrum. Due to differences in their nervous systems, they are more sensitive to external stimuli, which means that even everyday situations can overstimulate them and lead to sensory overload. The fact that this is a natural trait and not a deficit is rarely acknowledged.

Introverts are often portrayed in a one-sided way, their quiet temperament is devalued or pathologised. There are prejudices and misconceptions, such as the constant confusion between being introverted and being shy - which are different things. They are less recognised in our noisy society and are often forced to adapt to the extraverted environment beyond a healthy level. 

However, introverted characters have important qualities and strengths and represent a high added value to society that goes against the prevailing ideal. For example, various studies show that introverts often have higher levels of empathy and sensitivity, or that many of them have a strength in observation and listening. In a fast, hectic and noisy world, it is the quiet minds that can provide an important balance.

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Further information:

For my series 'How to Disappear Completely' I photograph people in Germany who define themselves as introverted, who are struggling with obstacles due to our society's extraverted norm, or who would like more consideration and understanding for the subject. I work with a photographic reproduction process using prints on uncoated paper and lights to metaphorically address issues such as sensory overload and the visibility and relevance of a quiet temperament. I am currently working on a photobook of this project, which will contain various elements and text fragments alongside this series, which together will pick up on recurring aspects of the theme. If you are interested, you can see a sneak peek of my first dummy on my website (www.ahappel.com).