In Ayane Yamamoto’s ‘Unbreakable’ exhibition, the artist depicts mental health struggles close to her, symbolized by the Greek mythological figure Medusa. This body of work aims to raise awareness towards mental illness, it seeks to showcase the battle towards positive mental health and other societal constraints.
In Greek mythology, Medusa receives a curse which transforms her from a beautiful woman to an horrific monster. A punishment which she has no control over.
Yamamoto gives us a glimpse into Medusa’s everyday life. She uses the snake hair as a metaphor for being always distracted by incessant or poisonous incoming thoughts.
Looking at her characters from a different angle is a reminder to consistently evaluate our own personal judgments of others. We should aim to search beyond first perceptions, to look into people’s deep and sometimes tragic history to get a fuller understanding of who they truly are.
Medusa is not alone in this battle; other characters are here depicting the multitudes facettes of combating similar struggles. Showcasing the power that each one of us has deep down even
in moments of vulnerability and doubt.
Yamamoto also sheds light on our society turning a blind eye to these issues. Making us reflect on how we can better include these people and build an environment that suits everybody and not only the majority.
For this exhibition, the gallery has been transformed by using emergency blankets to cover its walls. The silver-colored blanket is a symbol of the first moments of salvation or rescue and becomes a shield that provides safety and protection from the elements.
Ayane Yamamoto’s ‘Unbreakable’ Presented by Lisa Boudet – 14th July, 2022 7, rue Saint-Claude Paris 75003
