The Petals are Poisoned
The Monsters are Alive
The Petals are Poisoned and The Monsters are Alive
Ally Zlatar
Acrylic
6 x 4 in
2023
These works are an exploration of my own personal growth from the depths of mental illness. Through my artistic process, I have created a visual narrative that depicts the journey of combatting our internal monsters and masked selves to uncover truth and healing through blooming.
In this series, I have incorporated a variety of surrealistic masks, naturalistic elements, and self-portraiture to capture the essence of these themes. The masks represent the façades we often wear to hide our true selves, while the naturalistic elements symbolize the innate beauty and resilience within us. The self-portraits serve as a representation of my own personal experiences and growth.
Through my art, I aim to evoke a sense of introspection in the viewer, encouraging them to explore their own inner demons and hidden selves. I believe that by confronting our fears and vulnerabilities, we can truly begin to heal and grow. Each painting in this series is a unique representation of a specific moment in my journey towards healing. The use of vibrant colors and intricate details serves to highlight the beauty and complexity of this process. The autoethnographic paintings explore the power of self-discovery and transformation in the face of mental illness. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of growth and healing.
Ally Zlatar
Ally Zlatar is an artist and activist. She is the founder of The Starving Artist; an artist initiative that utilizes creative voices as a way to create advocacy and systemic reform. She also founded The Starving Artist Scholarship Fund which helps people access inpatient treatment for eating disorders. Her "This Body of Mine" campaign explores migrant experiences through creative voices and has helped support individuals and artists from refugee-seeking backgrounds globally.
Ally Zlatar has received the highest accolade a young person can achieve for their humanitarian work; winner of The Princess Diana Legacy Award 2021, King Hamad Award for Youth Empowerment 2022, Y20 Award Finalist for Diversity and Inclusion (Youth 20 by G20 Summit) and also special recognition from The British Citizen Award 2022. She holds a BFA in Visual Art & Art History from Queen's University & an MLitt Curatorial Practice and Contemporary Art from the Glasgow School of Art. Her Doctorate of Creative Arts is with the University of Southern Queensland focusing on embodied experiences of eating disorders in contemporary art. Zlatar is a Lecturer at the University of Glasgow (Anderson College) and has taught at KICL London, and the University of Essex (UEIC).
Exploring art-making as a methodology that suggests the human condition is more complex than it is currently understood. Zlatar examines, instigates and provokes notions of the individual experience by focusing on the themes of illness, vulnerability, and authenticity of one’s lived-in experience. Zlatar explores her personal narratives and life experiences to guide her exploration of self-identity and self-perception in our modern discourse. She utilizes auto -ethnographic experiences and art as a catalyst for change-making.
Ally acknowledges power within the un-well body and believes there is tremendous value and potency by examining it through the contemporary art lens. Zlatar uses her work as a form of art activism to continuously interpret, communicate and facilitate discourse to make a difference in society.
Website: allyz.cargo.site
Instagram: @allyzlatar
