Photographer Sirli Raitma is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this photo essay. From the series ‘EHA2’. To see Sirli’s body of work, click on any photograph.

EHA is a photographic series featuring my mother, portrayed in a number of unusual situations, poses and attire. The series began in 2015 and is ongoing, having since become something of an international phenomenon, almost with a life of its own.

The real Eha was born in Estonia in 1950, before moving to London with myself and my son, just before the dawn of the new millennium. Widowed, suffering from epilepsy and lacking great command of English, she stayed tightly involved in family life. Then, in 2015, Eha began to suffer from depression and life became bleaker. Beyond the procession of doctor’s appointments and medications, a new focus was needed and the EHA project was born.

As the images progressed in terms of drama and ambition, Eha herself became more confident, engaging more readily with strangers and taking increased pride in her appearance. The story became an unusual form of therapy, enacted through acts of the imagination.

Today, my mother’s depression and medical treatment are ongoing. It’s important to stress that though the project brings us immense collaborative joy, it’s not a magic wand. At the same time, it has become intrinsic and valuable to her life and our relationship.