Mailbox 03: Michaela Voigt
Not A Banana
Ink Pen on Fine Art Paper
‘Not A Banana’ is a thought-provoking artwork that aims to spread the message of not judging a book by its cover. It’s a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and we should always be mindful of this fact.
The underlying theme of this artwork is mental health and the stigma attached to it. People often hide their mental health issues, fearing judgement and discrimination. This artwork encourages us to be more empathetic towards others and to start a meaningful conversation about mental health and well-being.
The use of a banana, despite being an overused object in the art world, is cleverly employed to evoke a sense of humor and curiosity. It’s a conversation starter that can lead to meaningful discussions about mental health and how we can support those who are struggling.
Ultimately, ‘Not A Banana’ is a powerful reminder to ask the most important question of all – “Are you okay?”
Michaela is an artist from Gore, Southland. She creates highly detailed drawings of flowers in unusual compositions, often including man-made objects. Each artwork has a deeper message or theme based on current events, social issues, memories, or personal experiences. The juxtaposition of different elements in her artworks is carefully considered and placed to convey a specific message or theme. Michaela enjoys creating artworks that make a statement and spark discussions about important social issues.
To create her detailed drawings of flowers, she uses super-fine ink pens and smooth, high-quality paper. Depending on the mood and message Michaela wants to convey, she may add a base of ink wash, colored markers or leave it without color. Her art is very literal, and her creative process with the mediums she uses is what people would call very ‘clean’. She loves the control and cleanliness that the pens give her, which is why they have been her most common form of medium.
Follow Michaela on Instagram and/or Facebook @michaela_jane_art or www.michaelajaneartist.com
