I made this digital piece in 'Krita' using a range of digital brushes and textures. This artwork takes inspiration from the aesthetics surrounding the 'vaporwave' music genre, which often explores themes of existential horror and alienation - which were primary causes for my anxiety at the time of making. The figure claws open her throat to try to free her anxieties from her speechlessness.
Melissa Bandara is a second year Design student studying at Deakin University. As an artist, she creates thought provoking, out of the box artwork to express emotion, situations, and culture. More of her artwork can be found on Instagram@dannyartworks. 'Rough' expresses the feelings of overthinking, depression, and vulnerability. Situations like this can make you feel blue. Time always heals.
This artwork is a form of painting, which I created specifically for the Mind Matters event at Deakin, as I am passionate about participating in the event in order to promote positivity for all involved. The message I've tried to convey through my painting is the ability for people to mentally experience various feelings and emotions throughout life, that come in diverse levels, extents and forms.
Taken in an abandoned mental asylum, this photo illustrates the isolation often felt by survivors of mental distress. Man's fear of the unknown contributes to an 'us and them' mentality; resulting in separation and stigma. My message is to unlock the doors. It's the only way to build trust and recognise our equal and shared humanity. Mental health must always be faced in community - together.
Sadness, grief, tears pouring into a well. Heartbreak, anger, separation. Resilience, healing, peace and happiness is the theme of my artwork relating to mental health.
This piece has been created within Adobe Illustrator. It visualises an active, high-functioning individual, hidden behind a mask. For many people living with a mental illness, they are able to hide behind their mask hiding away from the world. This often makes their struggle even harder, isolating themselves from the people they know/love.
