I recently took part in the Brooklyn Art Library’s 7 Day Heroes Challenge. In light of recent events, the BAL wanted to draw attention to artists and activists who are trailblazers in the world of art and politics, who have paved the way for change, and who continue to raise awareness about critical social issues and injustices through their tireless work. The 7 Day Heroes Portrait Challenge was not only a tribute to these hardworking individuals, but a time for me to use art as a way to educate myself and my community, and to show solidarity through creative expression. Here’s a tiny bit of history about each of these people, followed by introspective portrait exercises for you to try!

Malala Yousafzai (top left)
Paper Cut-Outs / Collage

Malala defied Taliban orders to continue attending school and, after nearly being killed on her way home from school, has become an outspoken education advocate.

Laverne Cox (left, second from top)
Not a Traditional 'Art Supply'

Laverne Cox first rose to prominence in her role on Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black, and became the first openly trans person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her acting. 

Greta Thunberg (left, second from bottom)
Recycled Materials

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg began mobilizing the world’s youth through weekly school strikes, sitting outside of the Swedish Parliament building every Friday in protest of the government’s lack of commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

My Healthcare Hero, Marina Mowrer (top right)
Used PPE

As this global pandemic continues to ravage communities, I want to take a moment to honor all of the healthcare professionals who are on the frontlines of combatting this virus. My daughter, Marina, is my favorite nurse!

Jean-Michel Basquiat (bottom left)
Crayons / Pastels

Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, Basquiat used techniques like poetry, figurative drawing, graffiti, and abstract painting to share his experiences of poverty, police brutality, homelessness, and racism growing up in New York City. 

Yayoi Kusama (bottom right)
Markers / Acrylic

Avant garde artist, Kusama, has always been open about her struggles with mental health, from visual hallucinations she’s experienced since she was a child to her ongoing struggles with obsessive compulsive disorder. Her work is a testament to resilience and self-determination in the face of adversity.

Ana Mendieta
My Own ‘Silueta’ Out of Evergreens

Ana Mendieta is most known for her “siluetas,” a series of ephemeral sculptures and performances that depicted the female body through natural elements such as fire, flowers, sand, and rock. Each of these pieces, although preserved through photographs, lived temporary lives, some blown away by wind others filled up with water, reminding us of the fragility of life through these traces of the female form.

Art & Wellness Challenges

1. Create a portrait of someone you admire. The portrait may be realistic or abstract. Write about why you think so highly of this person. Share a photo of your portrait via email at chris@chrissingleheart.com or via message on Facebook at facebook.com/chrissingleheart. Discuss why you chose that person, their qualities, and the way the portrait reflects their personality.
2. Create a body tracing. To do this, hang a sheet of paper the size of yourself on a wall. Stand with your body pressed against the paper while someone else draws your body outline on the paper. If wall space is not available, someone can trace the outline of your body while you lie on a sheet of paper placed on the floor. Then, fill in your body outline however you please. Share a photo of your tracing via email at chris@chrissingleheart.com or via message on Facebook at facebook.com/chrissingleheart. Discuss your appearance, body image and attitudes. For example, did you recognize any aspects of yourself that have gone unnoticed or were previously denied?

The Fine Print

Participation in this and any Art and Wellness Challenge is on a voluntary basis and at your own risk.