Brenda Givens' Portfolio

Dissimulation (concealment of one's thoughts, feelings, or character; pretense) is a representation of how emotional suppression can lead to an all-consuming depression. When we think of depression and sadness, we think of someone who wears that emotion on their sleeve. But, in many cases, people who are depressed wear a mask of happiness to disguise it. They feel pressured to wear a smile in public to avoid being a burden, appearing weak, and to uphold a “perfect” image. Masking their pain leaves them to sit in sorrow only when they're alone leading their depression to go untreated. This collection is a tribute to those people. You are seen.