Sick Rose

Sick Rose

A creative enquiry into disease and decay with photographer Sebastian Nevols. Inspired by a collection of medical illustrations from the late 18th Century until late 20th Century, The Sick Rose explores the unsettling world of medical illustration, challenging traditional perceptions of disease and decay. Through photography and makeup artistry, we reveal the unexpected beauty within these themes.

As a SFX makeup artist, I have always loved the Sick Rose book by the Wellcome Collection and was absolutely thrilled when Sebastian wanted to collaborate on recreating some of the images.

I loved the challenge of copying an illustration rather than a real life image. It allowed me to work in a different way than usual. I made my own prosthetic pieces at my studio in South London, choosing to use my favourite probondos for speed on the day.

This won Silver at the APA awards in 2025 in the Project Category.

image of a muscly naked torso of a man with skin diseases on

an image of a naked woman with skin disease on her chest

an image of a man with boils on his face

an image of a woman with breast cancer as it was depicted in victorian medical illustrations.

an image of a woman with a cold sore on her lip

An image of a womans leg with skin diseases on it

a mans naked back with skin lesions on it

An image of a womans arms with skin disease on it as depicted in sick rose medical illustration book

a womans back of neck with skin pattern on it

Sick Rose

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