‘Behind the Masks of Utopian Joy’
“The exhibition explores the social phenomenon of 'toxic positivity', which refers to the excessive display of happiness and optimism in all social networking situations, disregarding the details of individual circumstances.”
About
Mass media, fashion idols, and social media have significantly contributed to the spread of 'toxic positivity' and the dismissal of negative emotions.
Toxic positivity in societies has serious consequences; individuals are forced to suppress their genuine emotions to fit social expectations. This suppression can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression, as individuals find no space to express and address their true feelings.
Sociology and contemporary psychoanalytic theories argue that it is important to recognize and validate all emotions, including the negative ones, and to offer support and empathy to those suffering in our social environment, rather than rushing to dismiss feelings such as sadness, anger, grief, etc., which are expressed by other people around us as 'too negative.'
This approach encourages individuals to engage with their emotions in a healthy and productive way, ultimately leading to greater emotional well-being and resilience when facing life's difficulties individually and collectively.
Art Curator Paris Kapralos
