Solitude Explorations
About the Exhibition
Does being alone always mean being lonely?
The two states should not always be associated with each other, unless solitude is forced on us, which can turn solitude into an overwhelming sense of loneliness.
On the flip side, if we make the decision to have some alone time, then it becomes our cherished me-time.
In fact, solitude has many positive effects hidden from plain sight.
Psychologists emphasise that moderate alone time helps us recognise our emotional needs and gain a deep understanding of ourselves. Solitude provides an undisturbed environment for inner dialogue, helping us answer the question, "Who am I?"
People who struggle to spend time with themselves often feel lonely, but the more they try to shake off solitude, the stronger the feeling of loneliness becomes. Even surrounded by others, one can feel like they are “together alone” and thus even more empty.
Learning to transform solitude leads to our personal growth.
The exhibition Solo Explorations showcases the role of solitude in mental well-being. We previously invited everyone to share activities they enjoy doing alone.
Some love sharpening knives, some enjoy showering in the dark, some savour tea, some talk to plants, some speak Japanese to themselves even though they don't understand Japanese, some watch ASMR facial treatments, and some simply cry.
We also invite you to participate in the exhibition by sharing your way of having fun in solitude, exploring the value of solitude, and finding resonance in moments of silence.
(Collection of responses is still in progress.)
Dates
17 Feb 2024 to 31 Mar 2024
"I Want to Tell You, Actually I Am Not Happy" - Student Emotional Support Programme
About the Programme
Is students' depression solely due to academic pressure? Students' emotional distress can result from a combination of factors, including challenges in peer relationships, lack of understanding from family members, and uncertainty about the future. These issues cannot be resolved with mere slogans or gestures. To unravel the knots in their hearts, students need empathy and support.
Therefore, we decided to launch the "I Want to Tell You, Actually I Am Not Happy" - Student Emotional Support Programme.
The programme provides students the opportunity to express their true feelings. After meeting with therapists, students will gradually learn to understand their emotional needs and find suitable ways to express them. The program not only focuses on students' current psychological distress but also emphasises "mental fitness", allowing students to understand that training their mind is similar to training their abs—it requires daily practice.
During therapy, therapists will assist students in expressing their inner feelings through artistic forms. Students use art to convey the message: "I am not happy." What is really troubling students? How do they truly feel?
About the Exhibition
Two walls, one colourful, one black-and-white, both adorned with handwritten cards.
We are often not good at expressing our feelings, sometimes relying on sensitive people around us to notice our unease.
The colourful wall displays students' entries. We deliberately arrange for viewers to pull out the cards from the seemingly colourful envelopes to read about their struggles, loneliness, sadness, and worries.
What should have been a bright and lively period of youth has turned into cruel stories due to adults' excessive expectations, difficulties in peer relationships, public exam pressure, loneliness from not being understood, and verbal violence.
The students also answered the question, "What do you want the people around you to do for you?" The phrases "check up on me, "chat with me," "keep me company," and "be a listener" appear frequently in these answers. We all know how to do these, but how many people actually took action?
The black-and-white wall consists of adults' confessions of their emotional struggles during their teenage years and methods they believe were effective in alleviating the problems. "Moving away from my family of origin," "drawing," "affirming myself," "accepting my body shape," "talking to others," "listening to Rock n Roll music"—these methods resonate with many.
The collection of students and adults' responses on the handwritten cards is on-going (exhibited anonymously), bringing new insights to the exhibition continuously.
Everyone is welcome to come and transform "unhappiness" into strength.
Exhibition Dates
7 Dec 2023 to 20 Jan 2024
Project Achievements
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Over 4000 visitors came to the exhibition.
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Over 200 adults shared their teenage confusions at the exhibition.
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Over 100 students participated in the exhibition, expressing their current struggles and what they want others to do for them.
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Around 40 grassroots students received one-on-one psychotherapy in a "pay as you can" format.