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Description
My entry for the "Screens of Terror" Wallpaper Challenge.

There was something of a trend during the Victorian era to dabble in spiritualism and divination, and in particular, Ouija boards, which were intended to allow contact with supernatural entities. Playing with Ouija boards was a common pastime amongst the upper classes in particular, with enthusiasts attempting to make contact with dead relatives, or, sometimes the even greater taboo of communication with more esoteric spirits. Our unfortunate subject seems to have (perhaps unintentionally) achieved the latter. Or is she just intoxicated, paranoid, filled with guilt over her taboo hobby?

I wanted to base my concept on several layers of terror, as ubiquitous and relatable as possible: Firstly, it's a dark scene, fear of the dark being a primal form of terror that should be familiar to anyone; the shadows can conceal all manner of horrors. Secondly, the fear of the unknown, the unfamiliar, the unpredictable, in this instance, the supernatural. Third, the pure terror in the moment of realisation of a terrible mistake, the gnawing sensation in the pit of the stomach, knowing that the price for poor judgement is about to be paid, that there is no going back. Fourth, the violation of the sanctity of one's mind; to have an invasive force denying freedom and privacy of thought, to start to lose the ability to discern ones own thoughts from the whispers and suggestions of the invader. Finally, the fear of losing bodily autonomy, becoming a powerless observer, trapped in thrall inside one's own body, relegated to becoming a passenger, an obersever; to lose all power and control.

So, is she really succumbing to hostile spiritual possession? Or is it mere suggestion, a self administered placebo causing her mental anguish and manifesting itself in a manner causing her to believe herself to be? Is her terror any less real in either case?

Description
My entry for the "Screens of Terror" Wallpaper Challenge.

There was something of a trend during the Victorian era to dabble in spiritualism and divination, and in particular, Ouija boards, which were intended to allow contact with supernatural entities. Playing with Ouija boards was a common pastime amongst the upper classes in particular, with enthusiasts attempting to make contact with dead relatives, or, sometimes the even greater taboo of communication with more esoteric spirits. Our unfortunate subject seems to have (perhaps unintentionally) achieved the latter. Or is she just intoxicated, paranoid, filled with guilt over her taboo hobby?

I wanted to base my concept on several layers of terror, as ubiquitous and relatable as possible: Firstly, it's a dark scene, fear of the dark being a primal form of terror that should be familiar to anyone; the shadows can conceal all manner of horrors. Secondly, the fear of the unknown, the unfamiliar, the unpredictable, in this instance, the supernatural. Third, the pure terror in the moment of realisation of a terrible mistake, the gnawing sensation in the pit of the stomach, knowing that the price for poor judgement is about to be paid, that there is no going back. Fourth, the violation of the sanctity of one's mind; to have an invasive force denying freedom and privacy of thought, to start to lose the ability to discern ones own thoughts from the whispers and suggestions of the invader. Finally, the fear of losing bodily autonomy, becoming a powerless observer, trapped in thrall inside one's own body, relegated to becoming a passenger, an obersever; to lose all power and control.

So, is she really succumbing to hostile spiritual possession? Or is it mere suggestion, a self administered placebo causing her mental anguish and manifesting itself in a manner causing her to believe herself to be? Is her terror any less real in either case?