I recently read an article about an artist who has created an art installation. She is focused on sending a message that there’s no stigma tied to mental health and other challenges associated with addiction. The public art installation is called “I Am Here.”
The work displays two human figures made of concrete — one seated on a bench, another standing nearby — and a dove. The concept is that any passerby is welcome to take a seat on the bench and reflect on the ravages of drug addiction.
The artist said she wanted “to highlight mental health, initiate conversation and have people interact with (the installation).” And, if those taking a seat are struggling with addiction, she hopes they will be inspired to seek treatment. She created Quick Response codes with the exhibit that anyone can connect to with their mobile phone to access treatment options.
The bench itself is covered with quotes from families with loved ones in drug treatment or who died from an overdose. One quote says, “Love How You Love, Who you Love.” The artist said she believes the message means to love everyone the way we love our closest friends and family members. If that happens, everyone will have a better support system in place.
According to the artist, the figure seated on the bench represents someone in crisis. Flowers are displayed in the body's open chest cavity to represent inner beauty. A tie-die shirt covers the torso to represent a positive vibe, and the colors in the shirt don’t identify gender.
the faces of the two figures that are absent of any features, the shirt doesn't connect addiction with a gender or race. The message is the drug crisis crosses all socioeconomic lines.
The standing figure symbolizes a support system — a parent, loved one or friend. The torso is painted green, the color for mental health awareness.
the faces of the two figures that are absent of any features, the shirt doesn't connect addiction with a gender or race. The message is the drug crisis crosses all socioeconomic lines.
The standing figure symbolizes a support system — a parent, loved one or friend. The torso is painted green, the color for mental health awareness.
the faces of the two figures that are absent of any features, the shirt doesn't connect addiction with a gender or race. The message is the drug crisis crosses all socioeconomic lines.
The standing figure symbolizes a support system — a parent, loved one or friend. The torso is painted green, the color for mental health awareness.
the faces of the two figures that are absent of any features, the shirt doesn't connect addiction with a gender or race. The message is the drug crisis crosses all socioeconomic lines.
The standing figure symbolizes a support system — a parent, loved one or friend. The torso is painted green, the color for mental health awareness.
The faces of the two figures are absent of any features. The message is the drug crisis crosses all socioeconomic lines.
The standing figure symbolizes a support system — a parent, loved one or friend. The torso is painted green, the color for mental health awareness.
The dove is the “memorial part.” The artist took donated items from families who lost loved ones to addiction, and embedded them into the dove.
One is a rock painted with the name “Nick.” He died from a drug overdose in 2017 at the age of 24. His mother, Helen Bellomo, painted the rock with her son’s name. It took her two weeks to muster the courage to part with one of her son's possessions.
What a great memorial and art installation.