The Cries Of A Grown Up Child, Simaiya Shirley, 2021

The only place I am truly able to express my emotions is through art; because trying to put emotions into words is too overwhelming for me. Art is how I communicate, it explains everything I need to say when language and speech cannot. I created this piece because, at the time, I felt like I was watching my life instead of living it. Trying to communicate that complex feeling, proved to be impossible and so instead of verbalizing it, I created it. Creating art is truly the only place I feel understood. Unlike language, art does not require a straightforward interpretation, allowing anyone and everyone to comprehend it in their own unique way. I visualize my feelings artistically, but I also want other people to see themselves in my art. As long as it inspires an emotion, my art has succeeded. And for that reason, my art is subjective but also very personal, making this project mean both nothing and everything.