brain hurt, head ĕ̸̡̜͑m̴̥͎̂̄̅̎̓̚p̷̠͈̻̱̩̯̫̦͎̑͌̑̓͋ṭ̵̻̫͈̦̩̭̬͕̍y̶̹͛̈́̐̈̕͝ by Jessika Pouget

“brain hurt, head ĕ̸̡̜͑m̴̥͎̂̄̅̎̓̚p̷̠͈̻̱̩̯̫̦͎̑͌̑̓͋ṭ̵̻̫͈̦̩̭̬͕̍y̶̹͛̈́̐̈̕͝” is a turbulent clutter of collage and kitsch, documenting my neurodivergence. I work to depict thoughts and emotions abstractly through the format of iSpy games, where representations of my idiosyncrasies live. Some of the items are explicitly labelled and others are left up to the viewers’ interpretation. Mental health/illness, autism, ADHD, and anxiety; they can all present differently. This body of work is built out of my own experiences, but can simultaneously function as signifiers for others to connect with. Through this body of work, I invite the viewer to take a step inside my mind and explore moments of nostalgia and tactility. The works can be observed on multiple platforms to allow for different viewing experiences. It exists in a 3D scan: allowing the viewer to physically situate themselves in the space I live and work in. Embracing the chaos of my tiny, messy room and how it bleeds into my work. As well as a close-up video format: intimately twisting the way the work is absorbed to more closely resemble the way my brain functions. The video captures the tiniest details in a macro, distorted landscape and lets the viewer experience the work through my eyes. Creating these pieces through my playful and explorative process has freed me from the crushing weight I felt working in the European canon of painting. By killing my aesthetic parents I have allowed myself to center my experiences in the work and prioritize my own well-being and joy. The experience of immersing myself in these pieces has allowed me to begin to heal after years of academic burnout. I no longer feel the need to strive for standards of perfection and I embrace the differences that make me unique; presenting them authentically and vulnerable. Anyways, here’s Wonderwall.