Crying is universal. Just like laughter, crying has no language barrier. The subject brings back memories of sadder times, but these make me feel grateful, as I realise how far I've come. It is ok to feel down. Like tears, these feelings are temporary. My intention is not to sadden you, but to provoke a feeling and sit with it for a moment.
Photographer: Alireza Dolati
Instagram told me that smiling will release endorphins, dissolve my depression and life will be sweet.
#isitworkingyet
'Behind Me'
The figure represents me, as the butterfly is a combination of the Australian and New Zealand Vanessa butterflies which reflects my mixed heritage. This painting is my memory of when I was held against my will and put in an isolation room. Being diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder left me feeling isolated, trapped and vulnerable. I used these colours to bring this memory to life.
"What are you up to?"
In 2025, I surprised my highschool art teacher with a painting, 10 years after i graduated. I decided to do this project because i appreciate what he taught me and i wanted to give back.
Sometimes you just have to paint a space man.