Reader Discretion Advised: This article includes themes related to depression and mental health challenges. Some readers may find this content troubling or triggering. Please take care when reading and prioritize your well-being.
Mental health is a significant issue, and we are fortunate to live in a time where this fact is increasingly recognized globally. According to the WHO, in 2019, an astonishing 970 million individuals around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. Tackling the worldwide mental health crisis is essential for our collective well-being.
That’s why today’s story resonates with me so strongly. The exhibition titled “Between Us – When Words Are Not Enough,” by Julia Hofmann and Lina Zhang, is currently displayed at Café Zarah until June 4. It may be the most remarkable collection the venue has hosted to date. Hofmann is a photographer and the founder of Zarah. “Between Us” is a collaborative effort with her daughter Lina, who contributed her own artworks. Hofmann experienced significant distress and concern upon noticing the early signs of anxiety and depression in her daughter's preteen years. As they navigated this journey together, Zhang developed new strategies to envision healing. The silence between them didn't last long, as both women felt an overwhelming need to communicate. However, there was a crucial element missing - art.
There is something profoundly moving in the openness and resilience of my interviewees today. Hofmann's vulnerability and honesty provide invaluable insight; her introspection is one of the greatest gifts she can offer her daughter. Zhang expressed herself with striking directness and maturity for her age, yet remained accessible and genuine. Hofmann noted that they continue to navigate their challenges. Hope, she admitted, is a beautiful yet variable force that must coexist with the reality of their lives, characterized by ups and downs. How relatable is that? I engaged in the conversation with gratitude and an open mind. I suggest you adopt the same approach, dear reader, as you hopefully visit this impactful exhibition at Zarah.
Hi, Julia, it's lovely to meet you both. Can you share more about “Between Us”? JH: Certainly. This exhibition represents a conversation between mother and daughter, touching on various mental health themes, including depression, self-harm, emotional escape, and helplessness. Initially, we faced a profound feeling of isolation that we needed to overcome before progressing. In this way, “Between Us” is a gentle call to look back and then inward. We encountered pain for which we lacked the right words, so we sought to navigate it through art and photography. We're still on that journey.
Many people can relate to such topics. How did this all begin? JH: Well, Lina was born in Beijing in 2011, just a few years after we opened Zarah in 2007. As she neared school age, we made the decision to return to Germany – at least in part. We came to this conclusion after considering several factors for our family. We determined that alternating between both countries was the best course, at least until Covid struck. Like many others, we found ourselves stuck and unable to come back here. Lina started second grade during this time and struggled in school. As a result of the pandemic's enforced isolation, her anxiety worsened. Eventually, we decided to enroll her in a new school without grades and with a more open approach to education. We thought this change would help, but it did not resolve the situation. She confided in me about her deep sadness, and we finally recognized that we were dealing with depression.
That must have been an emotionally charged moment. What factors influenced this crisis? JH: Unfortunately, Lina had to learn to build new friendships as her previous group underwent significant changes. Around this time, she began to experience reluctance about attending school. I must admit that I struggled with the situation myself. I was still processing everything and didn't have fond memories of school to draw from, which made it hard for me to find ways to encourage her attendance.
Lina, while your mother’s perspective is invaluable, it’s also essential for you to share your own voice in this interview. Where does art fit into this narrative? LZ: Art has always been a part of my life. It has served as an outlet for my feelings, and during this challenging period, I found more strength in painting, especially since I was experiencing such intense emotions. I also grew up observing my mother's exploration of her preferred medium. It's crucial for me to have the freedom to express myself artistically. I dislike the strict constraints that often come with formal artistic training.
What medium did you choose for the project that led to this exhibition? LZ: In my younger years, I painted with watercolors. However, I transitioned to acrylics over time. I prefer acrylics because the colors remain vibrant even with water, while watercolors can be transparent. I also enjoy abstract painting, which has always
A mother and daughter team combines photography and art in their journey toward healing.
