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I Tried To Cure These Prisoners’ Hearts By Drawing Henna Tattoos On Their Hands
I’m a stylist, painter, henna artist and art therapy student from Lithuania and I present to you my social art project [NO]LIFE. It was created together with a professional photographer Enrika Samulionyte.
The original idea for the project was a makeover photoshoot with ordinary women (not models),who we are used to seeing while going about our day-to-day business. I planned to dress them up in beautiful dresses, flowers, crowns and lavish jewelry to achieve a dramatic transformation, captured in BEFORE and AFTER photos.Incidentally, thanks to years of working as a fashion editor, I have a lot of experience with makeover and done countless fashion photoshoots. None of the photoshoots seemed sufficiently extraordinary to be turned into an exhibition. Over time, I realized that the brightest transformations start not with fake eyelashes or beautiful gowns; they start in the heart, mind and soul.
The extraordinary photoshoot did happen, but not that way I expected. One day, for no particular reason, I got into henna art. With a bit practice, I became proficient in producing elaborate henna drawings. I had hundreds of henna sessions drawing on other people’s skin, holding my breath, in a nearly meditative state, having very personal conversations with my subjects. They were all very intimate experiences. I realized that that henna art is a perfect therapeutic tool, opening the door to people’s hearts and minds. The process helped people – even if for a passing moment – cope with whatever hardships they were dealing with in their personal lives. [NO]LIFE was born.
The women to whom I gifted my henna drawings during this project are special. They have scared hands – a result of years of self-harm. They are also prisoners (literally, not metaphorically). Some of them appear to lack passion for life, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem. They speak a different emotional language and think/dream in ways most of us would struggle to understand. A lot of who and what they are is represented by their scars.
There are no magic spells to cure their scars or hearts. But I have tried. And I will try again. I sincerely hope that one day one of them will tell me: “today I want to live a little bit more than yesterday”.
The transformation of scars was captured by my dear friend and professional photographer Enrika Samulionytė. She captured the entire process and had the chance to witness women’s emotions the moment I had finished each of the henna drawings.
The project was named [NO]LIFE and presented as an exhibition with a Q&A session in Panevezys Open Youth Center (Lithuania). The photos are partly about unspoken words and feelings, hopelessness, insecurity, and not being able to seek out help. At the same time, they represent hope. Hope is important.
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PyroarRanger 6 years ago
So powerful. I know these feelings, they can really break you down on the inside. But you can't let them hurt you. You are strong, brave, and amazing. Remember that you are ALWAYS worth it. You're never a burden to the world. The only burden you bring is if you take your own life, listening to these feelings. Don't let them control who you are. You're so much more than these feelings, you're a strong and amazing human being who has yet to accomplish amazing feats and tasks. You are loved. You are strong. You are powerful. And most of all, you are WORTH IT.
Sh1nsengum1 KondouIsao 6 years ago
I love this. It’s sad how people break others down and are rude and hurtful to anyone’s they dont like.
sosunlight 6 years ago
Beautiful designs and beautiful women. What a wonderful way to share something positive with others!
Bluebell Rizzi 6 years ago
This is a beautiful project and sends out such an inspiring message. Thank you for drawing attention to scars and making them beautiful at the same time.
Bored Fox 6 years ago
Black henna often includes paraphenylenediamine (PPD) that can cause chemical burns and lead to allergic reactions. I think that this artist does a great job but I hope she would use safer colors for body painting.
Vaida Virbalaitė (Post author) 6 years ago
I`m that artist. Yeah, You are right about black henna. But I NEVER USE it. Here, in Lithuania we all have very pale, sensitive skin, and I can`t risk. I always draw with natural brown henna KAVERI, which I get straight from India. Here we`ve made black and white photos for bigger drama effect, so it can look like black because the contrast.
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PyroarRanger 6 years ago
That's not exactly the point, it's o lift their spirits.
Load More Replies... Phillip Moderow 6 years ago
Prison is for punishment, not a country club. They're there because they've ruined / taken someone's lives and don't deserve your talents. I would rather you henna a photo of their victims on their arms, legs and faces.
sosunlight 6 years ago
You're right, Phillip. They're there because they've ruined someone's life - their own included. That doesn't have to be the end of the story. Many women have hit rock bottom this way, but turned their life around because someone saw the value in them and thought they deserved kindness. Regardless of what they've done, everyone has a right to hope and dignity.
Load More Replies...
PyroarRanger 6 years ago
So powerful. I know these feelings, they can really break you down on the inside. But you can't let them hurt you. You are strong, brave, and amazing. Remember that you are ALWAYS worth it. You're never a burden to the world. The only burden you bring is if you take your own life, listening to these feelings. Don't let them control who you are. You're so much more than these feelings, you're a strong and amazing human being who has yet to accomplish amazing feats and tasks. You are loved. You are strong. You are powerful. And most of all, you are WORTH IT.
Sh1nsengum1 KondouIsao 6 years ago
I love this. It’s sad how people break others down and are rude and hurtful to anyone’s they dont like.
sosunlight 6 years ago
Beautiful designs and beautiful women. What a wonderful way to share something positive with others!
Bluebell Rizzi 6 years ago
This is a beautiful project and sends out such an inspiring message. Thank you for drawing attention to scars and making them beautiful at the same time.
Bored Fox 6 years ago
Black henna often includes paraphenylenediamine (PPD) that can cause chemical burns and lead to allergic reactions. I think that this artist does a great job but I hope she would use safer colors for body painting.
Vaida Virbalaitė (Post author) 6 years ago
I`m that artist. Yeah, You are right about black henna. But I NEVER USE it. Here, in Lithuania we all have very pale, sensitive skin, and I can`t risk. I always draw with natural brown henna KAVERI, which I get straight from India. Here we`ve made black and white photos for bigger drama effect, so it can look like black because the contrast.
Load More Replies... PyroarRanger 6 years ago
That's not exactly the point, it's o lift their spirits.
Load More Replies... Phillip Moderow 6 years ago
Prison is for punishment, not a country club. They're there because they've ruined / taken someone's lives and don't deserve your talents. I would rather you henna a photo of their victims on their arms, legs and faces.
sosunlight 6 years ago
You're right, Phillip. They're there because they've ruined someone's life - their own included. That doesn't have to be the end of the story. Many women have hit rock bottom this way, but turned their life around because someone saw the value in them and thought they deserved kindness. Regardless of what they've done, everyone has a right to hope and dignity.
Load More Replies... 
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