“Empower Connect and Thrive”- Summer Mixer Art Gallery
Below are art pieces created by youths that was showcase in our 2024 Summer Mixer. We hope you enjoy the art pieces!
Jay Swanson
12th grade at Northgate High School
Many people blame the events in their lives on fate. (The hand reaching backward will eventually be reaching back for a red thread.) People who solely depend on fate to justify themselves and the events in their lives will never develop a sense of self-efficacy (believing that your own actions have an effect.) It reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one’s own motivations and behaviors. From this stems learned helplessness, a debilitating feeling which often leads to depression and a sense of hopelessness. The figure is turned around to imply a rejection of the influence of fate. But the hand still reaches back towards fate because it is addicting and reassuring to feel like some higher power is guiding you. “Knot What You Think” (pun intended) is about learning how to strengthen one’s own self-efficacy and escape learned helplessness, which is exacerbated by the concept of fate.
Arhana Shenoi
7th grade Hart Middle School
This displays how men repress their emotions due to patriarchal influence, leading to depression and anxiety. This is represented through the dark values covering his expression as he hides from the light trying to shine on his face.
Aanya Shenoi
11th grade at Amador Valley High School
This piece symbolizes despair and loneliness found in depression, where even in places of comfort, one cannot evade their sense of moribund.
Alisha Joseph
12th grade at Amador Valley High School
This piece exposes the complexities of mental health, juxtaposing the serene beauty of cherry blossoms against the tormenting twists of the thorns. The cherry blossoms mirror the beauty of life, and the steady transition into the thorns demonstrates the inner pain and suffering people are afraid to reveal. Through this juxtaposition, the painting sheds light on the polarity between external appearances and internal realities.
Arhana Shenoi
7th grade Hart Middle School
This shows that most people with depression put on a front of happiness in front of others while their thoughts are in an unhealthy mental state.
Aanya Shenoi
11th grade at Amador Valley High School
This house represents the feeling of ennui and alienation from the self caused by depression and executive dysfunction. This is represented by the distance from the home and the transition into the wilderness.
Aanya Shenoi
11th grade at Amador Valley High School
This piece depicts Kendrick Lamar’s persona, Mr. Morale, who is seen wearing a crown of thorns, famously worn on Jesus Christ, as he walks towards his crucifixion. This depicts the cycle of self-sabotage and the effects of a higher power in terms of your life. His album focuses on generational trauma and cultural masculinity, issues that deserve awareness in the AAPI community as well. These symbols draw Mr. Morale as a symbol of mental health.
Theresa Huang
12th grade San Leandro High School
islaND
‘islaND’ is a series of drawings about a girl named Isla struggles with her mental health, and it explores her relationship with her mom. The ‘islaND’ is a fictional space that mirrors Isla’s mind. As she explores her early memories with her mom, she rediscovered her hobbies, and gains the courage to talk to her mom about mental health.
Nya Robertson
8th grade Canyon Middle School
I made this piece with the intention of creating a summer vibe.