CYCLE OF SYMPTOMS

a solo exhibition by: Lauren Ashleigh

“The War of Existing” — 48x60

“Programmed” — 30x40

“Unmasked” — 24x48

“Acting As If” — 18x24

“Past Punching Present” —16x20

“Every Threat” — 20” circle

“I Think I Saw You in My Sleep” — 36x48

“The Letters I Never Left” — 40x60

This exhibition is a culmination of pieces that represent my mental health journey, which has been an inspiration in my creative practice for about a decade. Each piece focuses on a different illness or symptom within my diagnoses. Representation of CPTSD, Bipolar II, High-Functioning Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Depression, and ADHD are within this show. Through exploring paint, textures, and disregarded or broken objects like glass, electronics, and pill bottles, I create something new from the rubble. Through the deep vulnerability of sharing my work and trauma, my mission for “Cycle of Symptoms” is first to process my feelings and understandings around my experiences. Through making these complicated emotions visible, I hope to connect with and comfort those who might be experiencing their own mental health challenges and help them feel less alone. I hope for this show to break stigmas, bring awareness, and even bring healing to all of those that experience it.
— Lauren Ashleigh

“Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn” — 36x36

“Coping” — 30x40

“Don’t Cross Me” — 40x40

“Shut Up” — 16x20

“Panic” — 48x60

“Patterns” — 46x58

“Lay it to Rest” — 24x48

“Overused Ashes” — 30x30

“Hand-Me-Downs” — Four 9x12’s