Looking Glass

• Main Author: Nur Mariyah Muhamad Afandi
• Other Authors: Desmond Pang Hee Wee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2020
• Subjects: Visual arts and music::Drawing, design and illustration
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/140799
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Mental health has now taken precedence as one of the most important qualities in determining one’s quality of life. Fast-paced societies and the vision of end-products without considerations of the in-between have led people to disregard our mental health and in turn, develop mental health conditions. In recent times, people with these conditions are stigmatised and discriminated in society. In Singapore, mental health stigma is prevalent, especially in the working sector. While there have been various campaigns targeted at improving the stigmatisation, it is even more complex in the lens of multi-ethnic Singapore. Looking Glass encourages the self to reflect upon themselves on their perception of mental health. In Singapore, mental health stigma is prevalent especially in the working sector – it was found that misconceptions have been derived by stereotypes developed way back in history from each of the different cultures. Stereotype in itself is a neutral word. However, stigma reeks of negativity and discrimination – that is exactly what we, as people, need to reduce. Through the use of visual narratives, stories of which recasted from people of various races, Looking Glass aims to open conversations with others and encourage the movement to be better for society through reflection.