Everything But The Bathroom, Original Artwork

"Everything But The Bathroom" is a provocative installation that delves into the complexities of emotional catharsis, privacy, and societal perceptions of mental health. Presented as part of the New Zealand Fine Arts Drawing Award in 2019, this work employs the unconventional mediums of a toilet and sink, surfaces etched with writings that serve as a canvas for introspection and the expulsion of psychogenic emotions. This artwork explores the disjunction between our internal experiences and the external expressions deemed acceptable by societal norms.
The installation transcends traditional art forms to examine the spaces of vulnerability and privacy inherent to the human condition. By integrating text within the intimate context of bathroom fixtures, the artist invites viewers to confront the often-unspoken process of 'flushing away our emotions,' a metaphor for how individuals are conditioned to hide or dispose of their psychological turmoil. This act of revelation within a concealment space challenges the viewer to reconsider the boundaries of personal and public discourse on mental health.
"Everything But The Bathroom" opens up a critical dialogue about the stigmatization of mental disorders and the cultural tendencies to label specific thoughts, actions, or emotions as abnormal. The work provocatively questions why the human psyche is prone to shame, embarrassment, and guilt over natural emotional responses, urging a reflection on the societal constructs that govern our understanding of normalcy and deviance.
Through this installation, the artist exposes the dichotomy between the internal self and its external manifestation and critiques the social imperatives that urge individuals to mask their emotional truth. It is a call to dismantle the walls of secrecy and silence that surround mental health, advocating for a more open and accepting dialogue that acknowledges vulnerability as a universal aspect of the human experience.
"Everything But The Bathroom" stands as a compelling testament to the power of art as a medium for personal and societal catharsis. By situating the narrative within the most private of spaces, the work underscores the importance of confronting and accepting the full spectrum of human emotion, free from the constraints of judgment and stigma.