Category Archive: ART

Stephen Wiltshire: From Memory to Paper, His Artwork Shines

When people think of autism, words like “mute,” or “special needs,” or “withdrawn” tend to get thrown around in a room or you might even hear whispers as if there’s some taboo surrounding the disorder that affects 1 in 160 people or 1% of the world’s population. 

Now, what if I told you that once upon a time there was a mute 5-year-old autistic boy who began communicating with the world through the language of drawing in a way no other child has ever done? Oh yeah, and whose net worth is now 4 million dollars! Stephen Wiltshire is an artist in his own right and he has not let his autism diagnosis get in the way of that.

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CAMH: A Mintxibition Message

Despite the exhausting abnormality of 2020, this strange year does have its purpose. Instead of being complacent, many artists have found innovative ways to share their creations and visions. 

One rapper in particular, though, was already prepared for this paradigm shift. Making “purpose popular” is Tobe Nwigwe’s simple yet thought-provoking motto. During a time where finding purpose is necessary for mental health, this Nigerian-born, Houston-raised rapper has fans and other artists alike looking to him for encouragement.

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Yehimi Cambrón: Activism Through Art

September 13th, 2020 marked the completion of a physically-exhausting project, but the beginning of an integral human rights conversation. 

After months spent standing on forklifts, sweat mixing with paint as the oppressive Atlanta heat pounded on her, Atlanta artist Yehimi Cambrón finished a monumental task -- to create an art piece to honor Atlanta’s immigrant community. The result is Cambrón’s breathtaking 35-foot-tall mural titled “Monuments: Atlanta’s Immigrants.”

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Shanina Dionna: Mental Health & Art

Mental health is an issue glazed over and forgotten about, even though it affects nearly everyone. The artistic world reveres its historical “tortured” geniuses, such as Vincent van Gogh or Kurt Cobain, but often fails to address the mental health issues within its own community. Artists must fight on their own to promote mental healthcare and promote awareness, as the world around them seems to ignore it in favor of the work they produce. One of these artists is Shanina Dionna, a Philadelphia based artist who works in education and mental health awareness.

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