Local photographer and artist Bianca Joanna Buliga is set to present a deeply personal exhibition titled “Breaking the Silence: A Postpartum Story” during the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival. Hosted at The Boatshed in Hallett Cove, the exhibition features 75 self-portraits that document Bianca’s transition from pregnancy into the depths of postpartum depression and her subsequent recovery. The event aims to shine a light on the struggles of postpartum depression and mental health.
The exhibition not only traces Bianca’s personal journey but also serves as a platform to discuss broader issues surrounding mental health. It reflects her experiences as a mother grappling with severe emotional challenges, a narrative that many find difficult to openly talk about. Through her artistic expression, Bianca is dedicated to breaking the silence and validating the feelings of those who suffer in similar situations.
Bianca’s motivation for this exhibition was amplified by the tragic loss of her sister to mental health issues, which instilled a strong commitment in her to support others facing mental health challenges. “The exhibition is an extremely personal but pivotal moment for me as it will be my ‘BOOM’ ending of this dark part of my life, but also a beginning for me to be more vocal and advocate louder for the people who are not having the energy to do it for themselves,” Bianca stated.
She spoke about her healing process and the role of her art in that journey. “The most transformative part of this journey was revisiting my archive of photography as a healed person,” she revealed, noting the impact of finding the right medication and progressing to a point where she can now advocate for others struggling with similar issues. “Seeing myself through the lens of recovery was truly a mind-blowing revelation on how far I have come. I now want to support others who may be walking the same path I once did.”
The photographs, embodying her personal struggle and recovery, aim to inspire visitors to understand the significance of addressing mental health issues and embracing vulnerability. The exhibition also incorporates interactive elements, such as an “Experience Wall” where visitors can post their thoughts and experiences, and a “Voice Recording Telephone” for visitors to leave messages, which will be gathered into a digital archive. These features are designed to foster a community dialogue around mental health.
The exhibition opens with a free, special event on the 24th of August from 6 to 9pm at The Boatshed in Hallett Cove, where Bianca will share more about her journey and the stories encapsulated in her photographs. The exhibition will continue from the 25th to the 31st of August, welcoming visitors from 9am to 5pm daily.
Bianca invites the public to attend the opening night and engage with the exhibition throughout its duration to support and uplift those affected by mental health issues. The exhibit not only promises a visual depiction of Bianca’s journey but also a chance to broaden the conversation on an often stigmatized subject, supporting individuals to speak out and seek help.
The opening night is a free event, with registration required via the link below.
Exhibition Details:
WHAT: Opening Night of “Breaking the Silence: A Postpartum Story”
COST: FREE
WHEN: 24th of August, 6pm – 9pm
INFO: General Exhibition Dates: 25th – 31st of August, 9 AM – 5 PM
WHERE: Venue: Boatshed, Hallett Cove
MORE INFO: https://www.salafestival.com/artfuel/program/view/10557/breaking-the-silence-a-postpartum-story
TO BOOK: https://events.humanitix.com/postpartum-unfiltered-artist-talk-and-exhibition/tickets
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