As Araneta City continues to campaign #YouMatter for the World Mental Health Day, the Gateway Gallery launches its Gallery in Your Hands exhibit on October 11, 2020 via its mobile app.
The Gallery in Your Hands virtual exhibit features artworks depicting different struggles and inspiring journeys of artists who are struggling with mental health issues such as depression and bipolar disorder. These artists are now staunch advocates of fighting the still-evident stigma on people with mental health problems.
Artists Paulo Dumlao, Christine Sioco, Tarik Garcia, Sasha Garcia, Enrico Paulo Cipcon Gregory, Mary Michelle Ibisate, Merc Tenorio, Melissa Basmayor, Ja Turla, Vanessa G. Tan Gana, and Samantha Kei Manansala shared their expressive artwork for the virtual exhibit.
A passionate teacher-artist who uses art as a medium of expression and coping, Samantha Kei Manansala draws her art-style inspiration from her great-grandfather and renowned artist, Vicente Manansala. She will be exhibiting three of her artworks including Abuse in a Jar, depicting the abusive experiences she had with her mother.
“I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder in 2017 but that never stopped me from living my life and creating art. Now I advocate for mental health by educating my students and encouraging people that it’s okay to express one’s emotion.”
Paolo Dumlao’s Ode to Bulan is included in the exhibit. Known for his jaw-dropping multi-disciplinary visual art performances, Paolo started his nude artistry when he was 19 years old, mixing up the absurdity of psychology and philosophy. He is a mental health advocate with art as his medium of expression. “I use my art to tell my story and experiences in life, my struggles against trauma, and being Bipolar.”
Download the Gateway Gallery mobile app, the Pocket Museum, via Google Play to view all the exciting masterpieces of the #YouMatter virtual exhibit. For those interested to support the artists via art purchase, you may contact Gateway Gallery via the Connect Section of the Pocket Museum or through its Facebook page.
The Gateway Gallery looks forward to re-opening soon. For now, #StayAtHome and let the Pocket Museum provide you doses of inspiration because #YouMatter.