The Beverly Soasey Community Gallery

Featuring: Selena Dugan
“Glimpses of the Unseen: Portraits of Neuro-Diversity”

Exhibition dates:
May 6- 27th, 2022
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Opening Reception:
Friday May 6, 5:30-8pm

Gallery Location:
309 W. 4th Ave, Suite 100
Eugene, OR 97401

“Glimpses of the Unseen: Portraits of Neuro-Diversity”
I am a visual artist with a psychological disability. I have created mixed media portraits focused on the internal struggles of individuals with mental health issues, and those who work with them. My vision for this project is about mental health issues and stigmas associated with them, to provide a space for awareness and understanding, dispelling myths and stereotypes. “Glimpses of the Unseen: Portraits of Neuro-Diversity” is an opportunity to look into the lives of a variety of people struggling with such issues as bipolar depression, suicidal ideation, psychosis, anxiety, and autism.
 
As someone who also suffers with internal battles, I want this project to be a learning tool raising awareness about people with mental health issues and their day-to-day struggles being accepted as valuable members of society.  The project is about those who are slipping through the cracks. My exhibit will bring them out of the shadows by making them visible, creating space for understanding and acceptance.
 
I first interviewed the subjects, working with a wide range of people, from those struggling with the criminal justice system to someone who is high-functioning, has a successful career, and passes as neuro-normative but struggles with their own mental health issues.  Each person sat with me for interviews, sketches, and photographs. I then worked on the final portraits, incorporating digital and mixed media elements that will take the viewer deeper into the personal journeys. Each portrait includes a few words from each person. A slide show will be projected during the exhibit(s), with photographs and art while audio plays. This will create a powerful impact for viewers as they look at each portrait, hearing the voices and seeing the images in this project.

Portrait of Selena Dugan, a local artist who struggles with bipolar depression; schizo-affective disorder, and PTSD. Pictured here in her self-portrait, she is in a meditative state, with the symbols and spirit animals that resonate with her soul.

About

The Community Gallery is a small gallery attached to the Lincoln Gallery and features month-long exhibitions by local artists in our community. Presenting artwork by artists in our community helps us to advance our mission of promoting and celebrating inclusion in the arts.

For more information about how to have your artwork on display in the Community Gallery, contact artsandculture@oslp.org