By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda: In a powerful confession to the healing potential of art, Mr. Feni Desmond, Co-Founder of Elpis Uganda, recently addressed a visiting delegation from Solid Minds Counselling Clinic of Rwanda at Makerere University’s Counselling Center. Speaking passionately about the organization’s work, Desmond highlighted the transformative power of artistic expression in addressing mental health challenges, particularly among young people grappling with the pressures of the digital age.
2ndR; Brian Nkuutu Moses & Desmond Feni, Co-founders of Elpis Uganda pose for a photo with a delegation from Solid Minds Counselling Clinic, Kigali Rwanda during their visit to Makerere University Counseling Center.
Desmond began by showcasing “Expressions,” Elpis Uganda’s biannual exhibition, an initiative that transcends geographical boundaries, featuring artists from Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Singapore, and Sudan. The core of the exhibition lies in its simple yet profound premise: providing a platform for artists to express themselves, their struggles, and their triumphs. “They express themselves,” Desmond emphasized. “That’s why it’s called expression.”
He delved into specific pieces from the exhibition, each a touching commentary on the human condition. One artwork, titled “Reflection,” depicted a king taking respite and reflecting in community. Desmond noted the importance of communal support in battling mental health challenges. “When you withdraw, then it’s going to be a long fight, and usually you cannot win that battle alone,” he explained, highlighting the necessity of seeking support and finding solace in shared experiences.
(2ndR & 4th R) Brian Nkuutu Moses & Desmond Feni, Co-founders of Elpis Uganda, in the Middle is Ms. Chantel Mudahogora, Clinician at Solid Minds Counselling Clinic, Kigali Rwanda with her delegation during their visit to Makerere University Counseling Center.
Another artist, Okello Regan, employs vibrant colors to explore the “agony that comes with wasting time and burning time.” Depicting broken, burning clocks, Regan’s work resonates deeply with the anxieties faced by young adults pressured by societal expectations. Desmond connected these feelings to the stress of unmet milestones, like the pressure to marry by a certain age, demonstrating how art can articulate and validate complex emotional experiences.
Desmond then turned to the pervasive influence of social media, highlighting Regan’s piece “Mind Captivity.” The artwork vividly portrays how overindulgence in social media can lead to a desire for unattainable lifestyles, “the flashy cars, the beautiful houses, the marriage proposals done online.” He emphasized the psychological stress this creates, particularly for young people. “At the end of the day, mentally and psychologically, it’s a very serious stress that young people in our generation go through because of that.” The piece depicts an individual being strangled by social media yet continuing to indulge, a powerful metaphor for the addictive nature of online validation.
He also addressed the feeling of being “boxed,” using work from a Singaporean artist to explore the feeling of defeat. While the figure is slumped, defeated, the boxes around them are alight, showing that there’s light to every human being. Desmond emphasized that light and hope are never truly gone.
Desmond offered a message of resilience, referencing an artwork depicting someone in the “pause of flight or getting up.” He stressed that even after being brought down by mental health struggles, HIV diagnosis, or other chronic ailments, “at some point, you have to get up and move.” This message of hope is interwoven with another piece from the same artist, focused on self-affirmation. Desmond observed that in many African cultures, positive reinforcement is scarce. He underscored the importance of speaking kindly to oneself, of saying “I’m trying to heal and better,” explaining that such affirmations can ignite a sense of inner growth and vitality.
Ultimately, Desmond advocated for a holistic approach to mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of introspection and action. He presented Regan’s “Path to Healing,” which vividly illustrates the steps necessary to navigate the journey to recovery. He explained how the artwork underscores the importance of disconnecting from social media, regulating digital consumption, exploring spirituality, engaging in physical activity, and listening to uplifting media. Crucially, the piece emphasizes the productive use of time as a tool for healing. “Some of the problems we face are because we do not use our time properly,” Desmond stated. He connected unproductive time to negative behaviors, highlighting the transformative potential of consciously allocating time for positive pursuits.
Through “Expressions” and its other initiatives, Elpis Uganda is pioneering a unique approach to mental health advocacy, demonstrating the profound impact of art as a tool for expression, reflection, and healing. The visit from the Rwandan delegation signifies a growing recognition of the importance of innovative mental health solutions, particularly those that empower individuals to actively engage in their own well-being. By fostering a space for creative expression and critical self-reflection, Elpis Uganda is paving the way for a more mentally healthy and resilient future.