Blog Post 4: Reflections on Peer’s portfolio of works
I refer to Raquel’s Blog 3 post on the detriment and neglect of the fashion industry towards raising awareness of mental health.
Before she elaborated on her creative proposal and outcome, she brought up the stigmatisation and stereotype of visual “disfiguration” as a flaw or a sin in mass media. This brings about the toxicity of social conventionality which unfortunately feeds in to general acceptance by society. The statement “if someone has mental illness then they are insane” is derogatory and highly insensitive and I am in full support that Raquel has decided to focus on this social problem to result a creative work to erase the misjudgements towards personal psychological health.
Her project utilises pseudo-science and semiotics of colours to represent a litmus-like matter for the character to be self aware of their own mental wellness. The fact that the colour transition and indication is only visible to the user/ character, made it a more of a safe space for self reflection and assessment. This idea is brilliantly rationalised for a performance platform but I do genuinely hope a future collaborative extension could be proposed to the faculties of science for such a wellness indicator to be formulated. As fictional as it may sound, this may just lead to the decline of suicide, self harm and hate-driven homicide. On the bright side, it could increase life expectancy, workplace welfare, community spirit and personal wellness. It may not be the cure but it could be a help, just like a listening ear and a supportive shoulder.
From learning of Raquel’s project delivery, I have realised that diversity also lies beneath the skin. We are each different in our personality, character and perspectives and this unravels differing attitudes and emotions. As society members, we have to reflect and retract on our casual exclusivity which comes with the subconscious conditionings of mass and social media programming. Empathising, as a social responsibility is always welcomed and encouraged to promote a kinder and respectful moral climate.
Da Silva, R. B (2020) Blog 3 Available at: https://1920betterlivessmc.myblog.arts.ac.uk/2020/05/09/blog-3-22/ (Accessed: 9 May 2020)