"The leaves, forming a petal-like pattern held together by hands, symbolize external support. This type of support may look protective (the forming of a protective barrier between the figure and the outside world), may provide solidarity (the tiny fists), and it might also provide openness (the open palms). The figure looks on towards this network of support being built in front of them and slowly parts the lace curtain, a gesture of opening up."
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"In this scene, the figure is unclothed to illustrate how open and vulnerable they have grown. The volcano in the background has erupted, a signal for big change and upheavals. The impact of the explosion has affected the protective leaf/petal barrier. But as the old network dissolves, a new one blooms directly from the character's face. Whatever external support that has coaxed the figure out of their shell is still there, though it now lives within the figure's identity (hence the hands forming petals from a glowing point on their face - the face being a symbol of their identity)."
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"As someone who lives with invisible disability that becomes immobilizing at times, I painted this character without obvious signs of physical disability but I hope to hint towards a potential mobility issue, since they're in the same place before and after the volcano eruption. I'm encouraging the viewers to assume that because this figure has had to live with invisible disability, that they have secured for themselves a space safe enough for them to survive the weathers of the outside world. The distance acts as a protection but also a necessity - many of us who live with disability do our best to be part of the world while navigating the distance wedged between us and society. Support - external or from within - is a crucial element."
Dhiyanah Hassan is an artist and writer whose works look at the importance of personal narratives. She writes 'Ash and Stardust,' a monthly column on tarot, creativity, and healing on Burning House Press. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter (@byDhiyanah) or her website.