Branka Cavar

Artist’s Statement

Branka Cavar’s artistic practice is informed by her lived experiences with mental health and wellness. Relevant themes in her practice include but are not limited to, art as therapy, discovery, and the exploration of identity. As an interdisciplinary artist, her work is shifting and changing, reflecting the constant flux and movement individuals undergo throughout their lives.

Brief Eternity

"Brief Eternity" is a visual compilation of the moments and memories I experienced during an episode of psychosis. The title refers to the paradoxical sensation of everything falling into place while reality as a whole dissolved into a nothing that felt as though it would last forever. During this experience, I found myself at peace with the complexities of the unknown and came to an understanding that I am one part of a larger, infinite picture. Psychosis is an experience that cannot be described with words or pictures because it is beyond the realm of understanding that individuals experience on a day to day basis. This is why I chose to discuss my experience utilizing abstract painting. "Brief Eternity" explores the ways in which we see the world, and calls upon viewers to question what they think they know about the capabilities of the human mind. After a long four years, I am proud to say that I have made a full recovery and have learned about the importance of human connection, family, and hope. Despite the struggles I may have faced and the opportunities I had to leave behind, like leaving my dream art school, I am still an artist and always will be. This work is a testament to my growth, and although it was the most difficult experience of my life so far, "Brief Eternity" is simultaneously an ode to psychosis and a celebration of the way it has propelled me into my artistic practice. My greatest hope is that my work will put a spotlight on mental illnesses less commonly discussed, to build awareness of their existence as a whole, and ultimately, to foster an environment of empathy.