Art & Literature:Representing Me
By: Nishitha Gosikan
Hi Everyone! The journey that you will now embark on is sure to enlighten your mind. Onward!
First Stop... Fear
Fear of Failure Creator Unknown
In this art piece, a person is trapped behind bars under a mask of someone’s face. Type 3s are image conscious, often worried that the only thing that defines them is success. This eventually leads to the anxiety and stress that comes with the attempt to achieve everything. The main motivation of a type 3(and me)is to be the perfect person, to be an inspiration for everyone and this makes Type 3s especially skilled at hiding their true selves. The painting represents the struggle of a person trying to escape the clutches of having an impeccable reputation.
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain
INTRODUCTION HERE
Next Stop...Struggle
Little WomenBy Louisa May Alcott
INTRODUCTION HERE
In the book, the main characters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy struggle to find themselves while also trying to bend to society’s demands. They often feel isolated, frustrated that they can’t express themselves because of the label that was placed on them, being female. I often feel that way, struggling to be myself when surrounded by my friends. I frequently try to make myself more likable, but eventually it makes me feel like I’m not Nishitha anymore but rather a overly fabricated version of myself The characters also struggle to stay true with their family, since their own ambitions and dreams often conflict with each other. For example, when Meg burns Jo’s book, Jo is completely distraught, saying that she will “never forgive [Amy] for as long as [she lives]”(Alcott 105). Much like the character’s desire to stay true to both their family and themselves, I often struggle to balance my individuality with my longing for friends.
"What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."—Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Third Stop... Peace
Starry Night Over the Rhône
Starry Night Over the Rhône has two figures standing on the shore of the river Rhône. The figures are overlooking the lights of the bridge reflected in the water, representing a semblance of light in the dark. Type 3s have a knack for inspiring people, but only they know the struggles of becoming an inspiration. Oftentimes, their mentality is shadowed by pressure and anxiety, which can be represented by the dark river. However, all they really need is a sense of belonging and value, and the abyss of the river broken up by the lights represents the peace that Type 3s are overcome by when they finally feel fulfilled.
“Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” —Ronald Reagan.
Final Stop... Me
"I was outside the noise, as if a line had been drawn in the rough dirt path, separating me from my indecision. My friends are nice, but I often wonder if I’m truly part of the group, if I can truly call these people my friends"
Althrough it's not always obvious, there is a common trait between the literature and art presented in this project. It's the feeling of unsatisfaction, often resulting into a feeling of worthlessness. My narrative shows the fear that not just I have, but all type 3s in general. Being known as "The Achiever" is a burdensome label that invites the fear, anxiety and insecurity that a Type 3 has. It forces people to have a mindset where success is regarded as the only salvation, which is not a very healthy mindset to have.
Thank You For Your Time!