By Fatima Cruz, CityHeART Creative Connect Intern
I get a chance to connect with a stranger through their artwork. I get a glimpse of their soul as it connects to mine.
When I visited “Anemoia,” a BFA Drawing & Painting Senior show, I was able to develop a deeper understanding of a friend of mine: Nin Muny. Nin Muny, a recent CSULB graduate from the BFA program, presented her final project of three art pieces at “Anemoia”. I developed a connection with Nin as an artist because I deeply resonated with her art. Nin’s goal for her art pieces was to invite viewers to reflect on their childhood spaces, which she achieved through my experience.
My personal favorite piece is Blue Baby because of how much it spoke to me. I could instantly recognize that look of inner turmoil in the baby’s eyes. Yet, I also strangely felt that the baby was starting right back at me, recognizing the same look in my eyes. Almost as if she could see right through my act. Her expression brings me back to my own childhood memories, many of which I had long forgotten about. The various blue colors and wisp-like flower swirls resemble a fog that contributes toward my interpretation of how sadness can alter one’s perspective and memory. I started to think about own my younger self, wondering if I also held that obvious of an expression. Blue Baby reminds me that I need to take care of myself through acknowledging and healing the younger version of me. Nin Muny, the artist, contributed towards this reflection without ever being aware of it.
Overall, my experience of Nin’s art only furthered my opinion that art is powerful and moving. It served as a reminder that I need to reflect on my childhood if I want to connect with my inner child. It reminded me that reflection doesn’t have to stick to one format, such as journaling. Sometimes, just taking a second to look at art or taking a walk outside, can serve as a moment for reflection. It is also obvious that Long Beach has a lot of heart and story to tell when people can connect with one another without the use of words. The artists in this community contribute towards the positive reputation and representation of Long Beach.
If you are interested in hearing more on Nin’s story, feel free to follow her art Instagram: @captured_dream. Chismes Con Fatima, a CityHeART radio show, also has an episode featuring Nin Muny where creative outlets are discussed! The episode, episode #14: creative outlets, can be found on the CityHeART app and website: https://ourcityheart.org/