“Mental Baggage” delves into the emotional weight and complexity of mental health struggles, emphasizing the often hidden burdens many carry. At the center of the artwork is a person with a single tear, symbolizing the overwhelming sadness and internal pain that can go unnoticed. There is also a suicide prevention symbol in the piece, highlighting the critical importance of awareness, support and intervention. It serves as a stark reminder that mental health challenges can sometimes lead individuals to dark places and there is a need for open conversations and a culture of compassion.
Through this piece, I aim to foster dialogue around the silent nature of suffering and encourage people to seek help before it’s too late. The yin-yang symbol in the piece also reminds us that amidst the darkness, there is always the potential for balance, healing and hope, along with the fact that we cannot find happiness and peace without suffering and struggle.Lastly, quotes from Alan Watts and Charles Bukowski are woven into the piece, offering contrasting reflections on existence — one philosophical and the other raw and unfiltered — mirroring the duality of struggle and resilience in mental health.
