Grappling: Holding on for Dear Life
- acrylic on canvas
- 24 x 36 in
- $3,500
- Akaimi Davis
My work often delves into the complex realms of human experience. "Grappling: Holding on for Dear Life" is a deeply personal piece that explores the relentless challenges of mental health. The central element of this acrylic painting is a 3D acrylic brain, cradled delicately in the subject’s hands, symbolizing the fragility and importance of our mental well-being.The vibrant colors and intricate symbolism within the artwork are intentional, crafted to spark conversations and challenge the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness. By placing the brain at the heart of the composition, I aim to highlight the significance of nurturing and protecting our mental state, especially during tumultuous times when it feels like we're besieged by challenges from all directions."Grappling: Holding on for Dear Life" stands as a visual reminder of resilience and the critical need to prioritize mental health. Through this piece, I hope to inspire viewers to acknowledge their struggles and find strength in holding on, embracing the support and understanding that can emerge from open, honest dialogue about mental health.
Bio:
Akaimi Davis is a multidisciplinary visual artist, with creative endeavors that have spanned multiple industries as a licensed Hairstylist and Makeup Artist, Award-winning Graphic Designer, and Corporate Art Director. Shortly after relocating to San Antonio from her hometown of Austin, TX in 2012, Davis was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare form of incurable blood cancer- Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia. She began a weekly chemotherapy regimen that continued for two years. She has remained a patient at The University of Texas at MD Anderson, where she continues to receive monthly maintenance therapy. Shortly after her diagnosis, Davis returned to her childhood days, where she utilized found objects in her artwork. She discovered the process to be an integral part of maintaining a creative routine, giving her mind a break from focusing on nausea and pain associated with treatment. Eventually it became a disciplined, daily, spiritual and meditative ritual.
- Collections: Fragility and Fortitude