A Collection of Work by Gabriella Lago – This exhibition is an exploration of mental health. It is emotive and seeks to create a connection between the artist and the viewer. Within the many facets of mental health, I focus on finding strength within a struggle. To enhance that feeling, I begin with a darker, cool color palette and follow with warm bright spots for balance. Facial features of those in my work are obscured to create anonymity and relate the idea that anyone can be affected by mental health.

I often choose to use animals in my work because people lack the innate honesty I am trying to convey. Incorporating animals can help move past preconceived notions of how emotions are normally displayed. Although the pieces of this series look disjointed, they are interconnected through the various forms of mental health. With each new painting I am evolving with the work and am overcoming unique challenges. Communication is not easy, so I design images as an alternative means to exchange information.