Bubblegum Club

Tag: depression

  • Arielle Bobb-Willis – The Young Artist Using Colourful Styling and Photography as a Therapeutic Meduim

    Arielle Bobb-Willis – The Young Artist Using Colourful Styling and Photography as a Therapeutic Meduim

    Vividly coloured wardrobe hugs the bodies of models, embracing static, powerful poses. And it is as if the viewer is looking at non-human entities, statues or mannequins perhaps – artworks in their own right. But the 23-year old image maker from New York pushes her already existent art pieces into another medium by photographing her human “colour statues”/ “creatures”.

    Moving to South Carolina for high school, Arielle was soon overcome with a depression that lasted for five years. Her release came by chance in the form of a placement in a digital imagery class the high school offered where she was introduced to the various aspects of photography. It is here where Arielle found a form of cathartic release that helped her in her battle against depression.

    “…when it comes to photography I’m always looking for photos that make me ask why? Or how?” Arielle prefers to see the subject of her image as a shape. She then takes this shape and forms it to become a part of a larger composition, straying away from the face as a focal point in her work. She expresses in an interview with Its Nice That, that colour is central to her practice as her life was characterized by its absence for a long time. Experimenting with colour is her expression and acceptance of the playfulness she currently experiences in life.

    From the conceptualization of a project to its execution and completion, Arielle is open to let her imagination and chance take the steering wheel. Often starting her process by seeking inspiration, she hunts in thrift stores and drives around to find fabrics and landscapes that captivate her mood at that time. The poses her models inhabit generally take place in an improvisational manner and she expresses that the outcome of her work is not always what she expected, but that she embraces it fully.

    Photography is a powerful tool that can be used as a therapeutic medium. Arielle’s work which combines brilliant colours and intriguing poses convey a sense of euphoria. The power and psychological impact of colour is displayed in her work. Art for therapy is a beautiful personal experience that can help others realize their own abilities to use artistic mediums for self-love.

  • DOCC partners with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group for new capsule collection on suicide awareness

    DOCC partners with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group for new capsule collection on suicide awareness

    Trigger Warning: This article contains subject matter pertaining to depression, anxiety and suicide.

    The unconventional local streetwear designer and creator of DOCC, Nokana Mojapelo has done it once again. DOCC has recently released its 2018 Capsule Collection in partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) with the leading intention of promoting suicide awareness. All proceeds from the capsule collection will go towards SADAG to aid in their advocacy.

    SUICIDE AWARENESS by DOCC is a concept range that is inspired by the death of Nokana’s close cousin who committed suicide. The concept range is strikingly brave, outspoken as well as tender. The colourful collection which consists of T-shirts, hoodies and wool suit trousers debunks violent stigmas that are associated with mental health issues. The streetwear label also manages to set a key precedent that normalises the act of talking freely about mental health issues. “Say something, ANYTHING!” is the most visible slogan that appears on many of the collection’s clothing items alongside SADAG’s helpline and contact details.

    One can only foresee that DOCC’s partnership with SADAG will prove to be ground-breaking and impactful as SADAG is South Africa’s largest mental health advocacy group. Nokana was quick to realise the fruitful results that could be produced from the relationship between DOCC and SADAG. This is due to DOCCS’s great influence on the youth coupled with the fact that SADAG has better resources and understanding to spread his message conceptually. It is with a hopeful spirit that the emergence of DOCC’s Capsule Collection can encourage and facilitate a conducive intergenerational conversation around this fundamental subject. Nokana refers to the growing partnership as one that is “still under construction” and states that “like any other relationship, you have to understand what you’re working towards and it’s not an overnight process. What I can say for now is that I want to involve them in the pop ups, activations and charitable events that DOCC is involved in”.

    Storytelling through fashion comes naturally to DOCC. The label has previously released detailed collections such as the ‘Staff Only Collection’ which is inspired by a family member who was a construction worker and is rooted in showing appreciation for the workers who literally build SA. DOCC has also released the ‘Booty Call Collection‘ which encapsulates a story about young, erratic love.

    The unexpected and unique collaboration between DOCC and SADAG is not only a motivating force but also a serious game changer in advocating for suicide awareness. DOCC’s next Capsule Collection drops in March and is tilted ‘INDUSTRY’ and is inspired by upcoming artists trying to break into the creative industry. It is quite refreshing and assuring to witness a youthful, evolving streetwear label such as DOCC remain resolute in the delivering of important messages.

    To find a support group in your area please contact SADAG (www.sadag.org) on 0800 21 22 23.

    Telephone: (011) 234 –4837

    Email: office@anxiety.org.za