Transymptomatic
CONTENT WARNING: This content contains or explores content that touches on any of the following topics: abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal); aspects of psychology and mental health and contains depictions of self harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, or suicide; swears or curses; hurtful or hateful language; discrimination (race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender orientation); aspects of pregnancy; blood, violence, assault, kidnapping, trauma, or dying. Please read or view with care.
Emerson H.
Acrylic on canvas
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Transymtomatic is a representation of mental health struggles of transgender people. The exposed insides and bitemarks convey intense body dysphoria, feeling as if one’s body is not their own, and the sense of raw vulnerability that comes with it. The lines covering the limbs resemble cuts and scars, showing how depression is not only mentally self-destructive, but physically too. Spirals in the eyes represent the feelings of anxiety and panic, knowing people like us have been hurt, and the terrifying thought of that happening to us too. Bright colors of the person and background plus the dark colors of the blood and gore are to show the contrast of how mental illness can be manic and overwhelming or how it can be painfully slow and dreadful. Imagery of the slit wrist shows suicide ideation and how many trans people take their lives, the blood filling the rest of the canvas.
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It means being able to truly express my interests and feelings in a way i cannot get though speaking.