While most people are familiar with the brand for its troop of cuddly cute monsters, the ‘We Kill You Show’ at the Gordon Daniel Gallery also featured paintings with mental well-being expressions. These paintings depict actual phrases that came out of Justin’s anxiety while preparing for the show.
According to the artist, he waits for creative inspiration to hit him before he creates, which can be nerve-wracking when commitment to a show has been made. One of the paintings, ‘Everything Changes,’ is based on an actual tattoo that the artist has on the back of his arms. The signs’ layout is based on the diner and retro advertising signs found throughout the 40’s-60’s.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Artistic Mental Health Expression
- Opportunity to explore art as a medium for expressing mental health experiences and raising awareness.
- Anxiety-inspired Creativity
- Exploring the potential for anxiety as a source of creative inspiration.
- Incorporating Retro Advertising Aesthetics
- The integration of retro advertising signs into contemporary art and design.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Art and Design
- Artists and designers can incorporate mental health themes into their work, providing a platform for dialogue and understanding.
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Opportunities for therapists and mental health professionals to collaborate with artists to promote mental well-being through art.
- Advertising and Marketing
- Incorporating retro advertising aesthetics into advertising campaigns and branding to evoke nostalgia and capture consumer attention.
