By Paige Edwards

Written February 10, 2025

In a society where political chaos consumes personal well-being, can art serve as both a mirror and a vessel for collective action and therapeutic expression? The sociopolitical climate in the United States is harming the well-being of diverse populations more than ever. Those affected by oligarchical and oppressive policies prioritize self-preservation as systemic injustices continue. Research links somatic, chronic, and mental illnesses to unresolved trauma and internalized negative emotionality (Goosby & Heidbrink, 2013). In a country that lacks security while fostering systemic oppression, an outlet becomes essential.  

Self-taught abstract artist Uma Leoni channels her righteous anger through painting. Known for her Black History Month label for Pressed Juicery, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy Exhibit, and mental health awareness collaborations, Leoni demonstrates the impact of art therapy. Which is further proven to reduce stress on both physiological and psychological levels (Kaimal et al., 2016). Thus, Leoni intimately connects her creative process to mental health, using her work to promote well-being and self-expression.  

Her painting Election Day resonates viscerally—a two-headed monster, colored red and blue, sharing one brain and body. Holding a crowd of civilians, the villian drops them into the hell of voting polls. The frustration, anger, and grief many feel are often suppressed in the struggle for survival.  

Art like Election Day does more than reflect struggle—it amplifies voices. If the system attempts to silence, then let art be the platform. If the world refuses to listen, the people must still express.

Paige Anita Faye Edwards has her Bachelors of Science is Sociology and Applied Psychology and is currently pursuing a Doctorates in Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural Community Psychology. Her theoretical orientation is an integrative approach to  Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Humanistic Psychology, and Narrative Theory.