Bruises
Nala R.
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This piece is about children coming to school with hidden wounds, coming to school from abusive households, and internal mental health issues that have yet to be addressed. Children's mental health is rarely ever taken seriously. If when I described my feelings to adults, they validated me and got me help, I would have been able to heal a lot sooner. These very real and very valid issues are represented by the bruises on the figure's legs, and it is contrasted with doodles in the background, symbolizing childhood. The way the bruises and doodles interact is almost taunting. The darker tones symbolize how unaddressed mental health issues can ruin one's childhood, putting a dark shadow over what is supposed to be the most carefree stages in one's life.
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Art has integrated itself into my life as an escape. I began painting when quarantine started, and my mental health was at an all time low. Being able to express my emotions through art helped me to better understand the roots of my issues, and turned my problems into something I could be proud of.
