Artist Statement:
40 million adults in the United States are affected by anxiety disorders, making it the most prevalent mental illness. Social anxiety disorder is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an intense and unreasonable fear of social situations. Most of the time, the person is aware of the fact that their fear is unreasonable, yet is unable to overcome it.
This installation contextualizes social anxiety in the form of deflating balloons.
The bright-colored, metallic balloons, commonly seen at parties or social events, are deflating to symbolize how draining these situations can be for people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. When a person is enveloped in stress, it can be difficult for them to enjoy the fun and exciting setting that they are in. Some balloons are decorated with phrases commonly said to these people by friends or family members who do not understand the intense and unavoidable distorted thoughts of this disorder. This piece was created to bring awareness to the seriousness of this disorder that is commonly overlooked and misunderstood by people who are not affected.
This installation contextualizes social anxiety in the form of deflating balloons.
The bright-colored, metallic balloons, commonly seen at parties or social events, are deflating to symbolize how draining these situations can be for people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. When a person is enveloped in stress, it can be difficult for them to enjoy the fun and exciting setting that they are in. Some balloons are decorated with phrases commonly said to these people by friends or family members who do not understand the intense and unavoidable distorted thoughts of this disorder. This piece was created to bring awareness to the seriousness of this disorder that is commonly overlooked and misunderstood by people who are not affected.
The installation was shown in the Thomas P. Kelly Gallery at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. The show "Reflect" opened on April 22 and showed the work of eight very talented students who spent all semester creating unique installations including paintings, photographs, sculpture, and lithographic prints.
Below are some photos of the process and close ups of the balloons.
First the balloons were covered in papier maché. Then they were popped and the new mold was spray painted silver to get the metallic effect of the balloon. A second layer of brightly colored spray paint was applied to the balloons that had been taped with shapes and words. Each balloon was entirely unique and created a beautiful, cascading effect of deflation in the gallery.
First the balloons were covered in papier maché. Then they were popped and the new mold was spray painted silver to get the metallic effect of the balloon. A second layer of brightly colored spray paint was applied to the balloons that had been taped with shapes and words. Each balloon was entirely unique and created a beautiful, cascading effect of deflation in the gallery.