Decaying With The Speed of Spring by James Perolls

A photobook by British photographer James Perolls.

This latest publication by British photographer James Perolls—whose previous work Lost and Found garnered wide acclaim—is a deeply introspective journey rooted in his seven-year experience with depersonalisation and derealisation disorder (DPDR). Combining photography and illustration, the book invites readers into a surreal, cinematic world of self-exploration.

Perolls’ distinctive filmic approach has reached new heights in this work, portraying a woman’s encounters with various versions of herself. As the narrative unfolds, she becomes increasingly overwhelmed by these fragmented identities, rendered with striking visual intensity and emotional resonance.

Bound in a linen hardcover with a timeless finish, the book appeals to fans of both fashion photography and fine art photography.

“Decaying with the speed of spring is rooted in the seven years I lived with depersonalisation–derealisation. During that time I often felt I was watching myself from the outside, seeing different versions of who I was. It was disorienting, surreal―almost like living in a dream.

Recovery was long and challenging, yet it taught me that growth begins when we face, rather than distance ourselves from, our difficulties. This book became larger than my own story through the contributions of the illustrator, stylist, and model who helped bring it to life. Together we explored what it means to confront the many ‘versions’ we carry within: some we embrace, others we try to bury.

Only by acknowledging every version of ourselves, letting go of what no longer serves us, and making space for growth can we truly move forward. The book closes with a poem by Xiaoqiao, written from her character’s perspective; the title―Decaying with the speed of spring―comes from one of its lines.”― James Perolls

-

Title: Decaying with the speed of spring
Artist: James Perolls
Illustration: PeiHsin Cho
Starring: Xiaoqiao Wang
Styling: Reina Ogawa Clarke
Poem: Xiaoqiao Wang
Publisher: Self-published, May 2025
Format: Linen hardcover
Size: 300 × 255 mm
Pages: 108
Language: English
Edition: Limited edition of 500 copies, hand-numbered
Price: ¥9,400