Self-Portraits

The following art pieces are different self-portraits that represent my mental health journey thus far and the struggles I've faced as I try to uncover my true self.

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The piece above I made during my Bachelor's program in 2020. It's a self portrait made with acrylic paint. This piece embodies the image I thought others saw me as - a fiery spirit, looking forwards with a burning passion and motivation. But the face is featureless because very few, if any, people could actually see the real me. The colors are opposites because while I have a strong drive to move forward, there has always been a deep sense of self-doubt and fear trying to drag me down.

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This is the first self-portrait I made during therapy in 2024. My wonderful therapist tasked me with painting an image of my inner self - how I see myself internally. I layered paper and paint over and over again, creating different masks I've worn throughout my life because that is what I did throughout my youth. I put mask after mask on to hide my true self who I grew to believe was weak and should not be seen. The end result is a face that is barely visible, covered by darkness, which represents my depression, which at this point in time, had completely overrun my life.

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This piece I made shortly after the previous one in 2024. This self portrait embodies who I felt I was becoming throughout my mental health journey. I've peeled off some of the masks, I've surrounded myself with affirmations. I can see more clearly, hear more clearly, but my voice is still restricted. I am still struggling with the darkness - the depression - but it's hold is weaker. I can take a step back to observe it.