Envision a World Where Our Youth Have a Future of Their Own.
Envision a World Where Our Youth Have a Future of Their Own.
Recent years have had a profound impact on global mental health. Mental ailments and suicide are now commonplace among our youth and young adults. For this reason, Simuka Africa & HUG partnered for the SDG 3.4. Creative Arts Project Open Call to highlight UN Agenda 2030 SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
We asked international artists to creatively tell us how the arts help them in their mental health journeys. In doing so, we hope to inspire our youth, young adults and the general populace to creatively practice self-care. Submit your artwork today to be featured!
Art Submission: "Happy Days"
“Art taught me to be a painter. A painter learns never to stick to one particular color in his life. I found my sanity through the art of painting. In the paintings you draw, use all the colors to prove to yourself that you can get your colors at any moment of life. You were created to be just one person, the person you are meant to be.”
Art Submission: "Trapped by War"
“The creation of "Trapped By War" on 16-April-2023, amid the onset of conflict in Khartoum, Sudan, embodies a pivotal chapter in my artistic journey. This poignant piece emerged as a visceral response to the chaos, reflecting the inner complexities where suicidal thoughts dominated, leading to the bold decision of refusing evacuation and staying amidst the war zone for 45 days. Ultimately, this artistic process played a transformative role, contributing to my mental resilience and culminating in a safe evacuation from the war zone.
Art Submission: "Broken"
“The arts play a crucial role in promoting mental health by providing individuals with an outlet for self-expression and emotional release. Engaging in artistic activities can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as foster a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. For me as an AI artist, creating and sharing art allows me to connect with others on a deeper level, offering a unique perspective and fostering empathy.”
Art Submission: "Dissociation"
“"Dissociation" delves into the intricate layers of the human psyche, exploring the various forms of dissociation experienced in life, social media, and surroundings, all of which can impact mental health. The arts can offer a vital outlet for mental health, providing a sanctuary for expression and a disconnection from reality. As an artist, I find solace in creating without constraints; art knows no bounds. Through my camera lens and editing, I express vulnerability, culture, and traditions, which personally serves as an escape from current struggles and can be a tool for navigating challenges." - HUG PROFILE
Art Submission: "Voices in My Head"
“This is a picture of the silent voices going on in my head. They speak to me every time. I maintain my mental health by simply expressing how I truly feel with my art. It makes me feel better knowing that I have a voice, which is also my art. ”
Art Submission: "Lost Souls"
“In everyone's life, there are moments of transition that make you feel as if you're adrift in a stormy sea. In those situations, closing your eyes and listening to your inner energy and the energies surrounding you can profoundly shift your perspective. Doing so, you won't be a lost soul but an enlightened one. Art is fundamental for mental health because it allows us to express our true emotions, contextualize them, and process them. The world is a vast whirlpool, and we must understand who we are to survive within it. Art represents the purest expression I know to convey my inner energy and to express my anxieties, fears, sensations, and moments of joy.”
Art Submission: "Calm"
“To enhance my mental health, I use creative expression as a fundamental tool. I find that by immersing myself in artistic activities such as painting, music, or writing, I can release emotions, explore my deepest thoughts, and find a sense of calm and achievement. Creative expression not only helps me communicate with myself more authentically but also connects me with others on an emotional level. It's a personal healing process that allows me to grow and face life's challenges with greater strength and clarity.”
Art Submission: "It's Okay"
I employ the art of embroidery to convey a poignant message: the reassurance found in human connection during times of emotional vulnerability. As an artist, creating this work is a therapeutic process, allowing me to navigate & articulate my own emotions. In a world where mental health conversations are often silenced, art becomes a powerful tool to break the stigma and foster understanding. "It's Okay" invites viewers to reflect on the vital role of compassion, emphasizing the transformative impact of artistic expression on mental well-being. "
Art Submission: "In My Mind"
"For me, engaging in creative activities like painting, drawing, or cooking provides a constructive outlet for emotions, reduces stress, and fosters self-awareness. As a young contemporary visual artist, the arts matter to me profoundly because they're my passion and fulfill me as an individual. The arts empower me to make a meaningful impact, both personally and within my community, by engaging others, promoting social change, and inspiring others to see the world through a different lens.”
Art Submission: "Mental Health Crisis Facing Black Mothers"
“ Being an artist, I realise I will always be a work in progress and never be fully satisfied. I will always have to cope with imposterism. Having said this, going through the creative process has helped me to liberate the feelings inside me, be it joy or pain. Regardless of the result, the process itself gives me strength and a sense of purpose, which I find very essential, not only for my artistic growth but also wellbeing. To align with this statement, I submitted a piece which focuses on women's mental health, to empower them to thrive in the darkest shade."
Art Submission: "The Cleansing"
"In my artwork, I endeavor to embody the profound spiritual tradition of river cleansing, as practiced by my people, the Lozi. It is a visual meditation on the interplay between water and well-being, illuminating the age-old wisdom that flowing water possesses healing properties. The woman depicted represents the grace and resilience of the human spirit, her closed eyes relaying an inward journey of restoration. The art style is a blend of AI photorealism and surrealism, aiming to bridge the tangible and the mystical. With her tears merging with the river’s flow, it symbolizes the release of sorrow and the embrace of renewal."
Art Submission: "Country Dates"
“ As expressed in this piece , “Country Date” is an appreciation of nature . One of the inspiration I derive from solitude meditation and an instrument that enhanced my focus. Art is my entirety! It has become my solace, a sanctuary to escape from the agitation and worries in a turbulently mundane and competitive world."
Art Submission: "Transcendence: Artistic Liberation"
"This work is a visual exploration of the transformative power of art in navigating the complexities of mental health. Through this artwork, I seek to convey the profound impact that creative expression can have on our emotional well-being and personal growth.
As an artist, I believe in the inherent healing qualities of the arts. The act of creating allows me to transcend the limitations of my mind and connect with deeper aspects of myself."
Art Submission: "Colour me Rainbow"
“The heart of art lies in its ability to encapsulate human feelings. Whether through paint on canvas, words on paper, or melodies in the air, art grapples with the raw essence of our emotional experiences. Art’s purpose is expression. It communicates from artist to audience, bridging the gap between inner worlds and shared understanding. Participating in another’s artistic experience allows us to access those same feelings within ourselves. By witnessing art, we connect with universal emotions and gain insight into our own inner landscapes. Society often dictates which emotions are acceptable or taboo. Art provides a safe space to express even the forbidden emotions. Through creativity, we break free from societal constraints and allow our true selves to emerge.”
Art Submission: "KAUNA"
“As an artist, creating art is not only a form of self-expression but also a way to manage my mental health. This surrealistic painting allows me to explore and externalize my inner emotions and thoughts. It serves as a cathartic release, helping me process and cope with any intense feelings or experiences. Through art, I can delve into the depths of my subconscious and confront my fears and anxieties. It's a therapeutic process that brings me a sense of peace and balance. Art truly has the power to heal and nurture our mental well-being.”
Art Submission: "Tear"
“I am Eugene Igba, a traditional and digital artist. My works reflect feelings, thoughts, emotions experienced by me. I work in mixed technique. Creating art, I know myself through the realization of subconscious images that arise in the flow of inspiration.”
Simuka Africa Youth Association
Stand No. 3974 Ngoni T/ Ship Norton, Zimbabwe
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