Publication Date
Spring 4-16-2025
Presentation Length
15 minutes
College
Watkins College of Art
Department
Art, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Art
Faculty Advisor
Armon Means
Metadata/Fulltext
Fulltext
Presentation Type
Talk/Oral
Recommended Citation
Davis, Cates R., "What did you Say?" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 143.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/143
COinS
Comments
This semester, I wanted to work on a body of work exploring and discussing mental health, with a particular focus on men’s health.
Society imposes conflicting expectations on men—urging them to “act like a man” while simultaneously encouraging vulnerability and emotional expression. These contradictory messages can leave men feeling exposed and conflicted, as though they are stripped bare and left standing in the middle of a busy street, vulnerable to judgment.
As the youngest sibling, I have always looked up to my two older brothers. They have profoundly shaped who I am, and I take pride in reflecting on their influence when I see myself in the mirror. I have witnessed their triumphs and their struggles. I have seen them break and find the strength to grow. My work seeks to capture the complexities of these experiences and shed light on the challenges men face in maintaining their mental well-being.
This body of work is informed by conversations and interviews with the men around me. Through their stories, I explore the lessons they were taught about what it means to be a man, how those beliefs have shaped their understanding of themselves, and how societal pressures have impacted their emotional landscapes. My art is both a reflection of these personal narratives and an invitation for viewers to confront the stigmas surrounding men’s mental health.
By examining the tender and often unseen moments of vulnerability, I hope to contribute to a broader dialogue about the need for empathy, support, and understanding. Through this work, I aim to challenge harmful norms and advocate for a more compassionate view of masculinity.