Artist Statement: Through eery and dark colour choices, and surrealistic imagery I want to portray how depression has worsened during the pandemic. The pandemic has had a terrible effect on the population’s mental health. There is an uneasiness that comes with feeling caught between the implementation and lifting of lockdown restrictions. It is difficult for some to know best how to stay safe.

Awareness of mental health has increased during the pandemic, but there is still much that is not understood. Through personal experiences and watching others I have first-hand experience with raw emotion. It is curious to see how it is addressed in media, and I want my art to add to a greater understanding of the issues. As more people struggle with mental health, we will need more ways of helping people understand and cope with raw emotion. —SYDNEY PURI