I have been fortunate to have lived in four different countries throughout my life and therefore observed how mental health is handled in different parts of the world. What happens in the mind is invisible to the eye so through my paintings I explore the physical and emotional responses of the human mind.
My work is broken up into different types of series that explore my interpretation of these responses. These series are;
SECRECY - Secrecy has been inspired by how those struggling with any mental health problems feel unable to speak about it and try to deal with it on their own thus leading to the life of secrecy.
IDENTITY - Identity focuses on the personal search for ones identity within their mind in the midst of a silent mental health battle. These distorted faces can be anyone’s portrait.
RELEASE – The act of breathing can help us in times of trouble and to ground our mind. This is simple but vital to the act of being mindful. It is however difficult for somebody who is mentally struggling.
SUBCONSIOUS - The Subconscious series incorporates the part of the mind that controls the person without them even realising. This series is a collaboration of mix media and digital art to reflect on the surreal world of the subconscious.
I create my artwork with oil paint by applying layer upon layer to create a thick texture. I strip back the subjects’ skin colour and their facial features because my focus is on the distortion of their emotion. I want to focus on what is underneath, what is hidden and the distortion that others don’t see or are afraid of.
With my artwork I hope to continue to speak out for those who are in need of a voice and bring unity as well as understanding to everyone regarding mental health.
www.rochellealahendra.com
