By Muhammad Faiz
GOMBAK, 21 July 2017: IIUM Art Club (iAC) in collaboration with Secretariat of Psychology (PSYCSTA) has decided to work hand in hand on a book titled “It’s in My Mind”.
The idea of this book is to share arts and stories on mental health issues. Indeed, the book will be a complication of artworks pertaining to mental health issues through a survivor’s experience.
Asked about the importance of the collaboration, both programme managers, Nor Fazirah (PSYCSTA) and Farah Liyana (iAC), said the concept of this book shows the combination between Arts and Psychology. Thus, they believe both societies are important for this project to meet its objectives.
“To openly acknowledge that mental illnesses do exist in our community and to provide a sense of closeness to the people who are having these illnesses. It’s very different to explain what mental illnesses is about compared to the physical form,” they told IIUMToday.
“Malaysia is still not open to the idea and we would want to reduce this stigma by not just explaining what it is but to share some forms or arts and stories to help others understand more about it,” they added.
Stated below are guidelines on artworks and stories submission:
- Nudity, explicit or provocative contents are strictly prohibited.
- Plagiarism will not be entertained.
- The word limit for short stories and poems is less than 300 words. The format should be in document format.
- The artwork scale should be in A4 size either in JPEG or in PDF file.
- A short description must be included in describing the artwork.
- Limit to three submissions per person.
- Please state your nickname, year of study and major.
- Submit your creations to itsinmymind2017@gmail.com
Asked about their hope on how this project could help, they said some people have difficulties in understanding words without any visualisations, especially pertaining to mental health, as the symptoms in textbook might be different to the symptoms of those who are suffering from it.
“We would like to further explain to the public not only in words but also through images and artworks that would not only help readers but also those who are suffering from these illnesses. We would like to give them an alternative that if words cannot describe their conflict, perhaps Arts will. Arts, as we all know, is another form of expression, hence, why do we limit ourselves to only words?” they added.
The deadline of the creation is 15 August 2017. You may reach Natasya at 013 428 8910 or Sabrina at 019 331 6469 for any enquiries. ***