Mental Health Awareness Month Art Competition

Light Up The Dark

The main inspiration for my artwork is the recent violence against women in Australia and the resilience of Australian women facing adversity. Mothers, sisters, aunts, doctors, bartenders, fitness instructors, and more have fought tirelessly to highlight this issue in a society inclined towards victim-blaming and fear-based ignorance. Now, more than ever, it's crucial to raise awareness through artistic expression, honoring the courage of domestic abuse survivors, sexual assault victims, and female advocates. While political, this painting aims to express light in the darkness. Amidst a media landscape flooded with statistics, the resilience and determination of women stand out. I hope audiences gain a deeper awareness of this issue, recognizing not only the constant risk women face from male violence but also their incredible strength. For too long, media has misrepresented female victims, subtly blaming them and making them the focus of the story. The focus should always be on condemning the men who commit these acts and the toxic culture that enables them.

Resilient Fractures: Reclaiming Femininity

"Resilient Fractures: Reclaiming Femininity" is a narrative of transformation, healing, and resilience. This painting reflects the profound impact of surgery and medical scrutiny on my body image and self-worth. After surgery to remove cancerous cells from my cervix, and dealing with severe endometriosis and other issues, I struggled with deep body dysmorphia and questioned my worth as a woman. The painting captures my grief and turmoil, with deliberate misalignment of body forms to evoke comparison with expected femininity. The hollow genitals symbolize my grief and society's equation of having a vulva with femininity. The color contrast highlights how clinical and separate my body felt from my essence. The central piece, now above my bed, serves as a reminder of the beauty and strength that can emerge from pain. Through my art, I convey that worth isn't defined by physical bodies or perceived imperfections, but by resilience. I want viewers to reflect on their own experiences with body image and self-worth, fostering understanding and inspiring healing. Ultimately, this artwork celebrates resilience and the transformative power of art in adversity.

Feeling Blues

My artwork narrates my experience as an international student navigating a new life in Australia, using symbolic elements to portray a blend of serenity and challenges. The central serene figure, with a tranquil and introspective expression, conceals the silent battles affecting my mental health. These battles encompass adapting to a new place, juggling part-time work and studies, and dealing with homesickness and occasional loneliness, symbolised by the single tear trailing down the cheek. The ethereal blue wings emerging from the figure's head symbolise the growth and freedom I have experienced, representing my ability to rise above adversity and embrace independence in a foreign land. The delicate blue butterflies around the figure represent fragile emotions and emphasise the transformational journey of progress and personal evolution I’ve undergone during the past six months. The clock symbolises the passage of time as I transition from one phase of life to another. The blooming flower amidst these elements represents resilience; the ability to thrive despite adversities. I chose a blue color palette to reflect the dual aspects of mental health, where tranquility and struggle coexist. 

Stray Birds

My message is simple:
Being lost in the moments.
Being the peace of this world.
Being kind to myself.
Being kind to others.
Being able to let go.
And being proud to do so.
That’s the purpose of living this beautiful life.

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Vanishing Virgil

In this haunting portrait a faceless woman, her identity obscured, stands as solemn witness to the transience of civilization and the ephemeral nature of human existence. The painting explores the stoicism and sacrifice of choosing to remember rather than choosing to forget. As a woman of colour, she is represented as faceless and voiceless. She is not exactly silenced, yet words and expressions are deemed unnecessary for her. In this silence, she stands witnessing events of grave injustices and great suffering, but also great hope, and she witnesses the dreams and desires of others and of herself. Through she cannot speak she is still powerful in her resilience, and in her bearing witness to all the comes to be in this world. The doves rise as pure and bright spectres; carrying their stories away.

Quest For Wholeness

The phoenix, a singular mythological creature, meticulously crafts a nest from fruit tree branches, weaving the essence of life. Once complete, it ignites the nest in celestial fire, consuming both the nest and itself, only to rise anew, stronger and more majestic. The sun symbolizes the illumination and knowledge of our existence, highlighting our journey through past beliefs and behaviors. The moon, suspended above a distant mountain, represents the unknown, uncharted territories and mysteries awaiting discovery. The Uroboros, an ancient serpent devouring its tail, symbolizes the endless cycle of destruction and renewal. The figure in my painting represents us at the pinnacle of our current journey, standing at the height of our understanding. These symbols convey a story of adventure, resilience, and reflective discovery. Each summit of our journey is a temporary peak, with higher mountains awaiting in the shadows. To reach these new heights, we must first descend into valleys, delving deep into our consciousness and navigating the labyrinth of our past. While life’s peaks bring joy, they are often overshadowed by distractions. Life is a continuous wave of ascents and descents, and our perspective transforms lows into opportunities for growth. Time flows on, with both joy and hardship deepening our appreciation of each.

Step At A Time

I hate running. Always have. Well, not always. I used to love running as a kid, like every other kid. Now I hate it because when I run I get sweaty, and hot, and out of breath. Or so I think. Because how come I didn't use to mind all that when I was a kid? I have been thinking about that for a long time, and I think it's because getting sweaty and hot and out of breath are just a part of life when you're a kid. That's where resilience comes from. Not expecting it to be easy. Not expecting life to be easy, simply because it's not. Seeing all the barriers and the dead-ends and the tears and the heartbreaks as part of life, simply because they are. And realising that what it takes, all it takes, is to keep on running, one step at a time.

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Be That Colourful Genius

These were challenging days when I first arrived in Australia. As a female in the field of computer science, I felt quite isolated. In a class full of men, I struggled to engage in conversations about topics that were beyond my comprehension. I couldn't discuss my love for vibrant clothing because it seemed that everyone around me preferred muted colors. I longed to participate in class discussions but feared revealing my ignorance, not wanting to stand out as a “colorful fool” among the brilliant minds. If the winds of life stir the pages of your story, don't be afraid; those are your waves. University is often a place full of geniuses. When you first start university, you might feel like everyone around you is so talented. You might think, "I don't feel as special as I used to." Building up your confidence again can be tough, but it's precisely these challenging times that will shape who you are. Be that colorful, authentic self. You are one of the geniuses!

 

Mandala

My artwork is a floral mandala, a design that has a special place in my life. I usually draw mandalas when I am stressed and have a blocked mind. The intricate patterns and repetitive details of the mandala art require my full concentration, pulling me away from my worries and immersing me in the creative process. As I draw or color a mandala, I start to feel more relaxed, my mind begins to open up, my stress reduces, and I can think more clearly. This meditative practice not only helps me cope with my immediate stress but builds my resilience over time too. Creating a mandala is a deeply therapeutic process for me. It’s not just about completing the artwork but about the journey of drawing each line and pattern. This meticulous work brings me clarity and peace, and the floral designs I incorporate symbolize nature’s beauty, growth, and renewal. This connection to nature enhances the calming effect of the mandala, making it a soothing experience. The circular form of the mandala represents the universe and the cycle of life, reminding us of our continuous journey. The detailed work keeps me in the moment, pushing aside distractions and anxieties, and serving as a form of mindfulness. This practice has taught me patience and resilience, essential qualities for navigating life’s challenges. 


 

From Darkness To Light

In this piece, I share my journey of building mental strength. Through my art, I aim to convey a message of hope, strength, and the belief that even in our darkest times, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I've faced moments of hurt, sadness, and depression, often lasting a long time. I depict this turmoil through a figure falling into darkness, using dull, dark colors to reflect the emotional and physical drain. By portraying these feelings honestly, I hope to connect with those who’ve experienced similar struggles. The true beauty of my artwork lies in the depiction of healing and recovery. After the darkness, glimpses of light symbolise hope and the possibility of a brighter future. While dark times are inevitable, they’re not permanent; with proper actions and self-belief, we can overcome them. Engaging in activities like painting, singing, and exercising helped me combat the darkness. The vibrant colors around the active figure represent the positive moments and small victories on my path to recovery. Let’s believe in our strength and resilience to overcome struggles. By taking action, seeking help, and finding joy in small things, we can move toward the light. Through my art, I hope to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of understanding and compassion. By sharing my story, I aim to contribute to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage others to open up and seek support when needed.

Calm Waters Before Storm

In calm waters I see ahead, lightning and storm. I feel scared but nonetheless, I will follow the waves of the water wherever it takes me.

Ceaseless Cycle

My experience with suffering through anorexia brings to mind a cycle, a cycle of sickness and recovery, a cycle of ups and downs, a cycle of starving and satiated. When in an episode of deeper struggle, I wanted to interrogate how I felt, and inspired by current world events, I distracted myself from my feelings by drawing this image. The explosion represents the down moments, and how my old feelings and identity has to be destroyed to be reborn in the tree arising from the scene. It ends in hope, but still acknowledges that the explosion could recur.