an introduction from Sudeeksha, BODY TALK zine’s founder
I am a graphic designer who was born in New Delhi, India. I did my undergraduate studies in Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore and finished my MA in 2020 at Central Saint Martins (CSM), UAL. I’ve always been passionate about socio-cultural issues and, with Body Talk, want to use design to be a part of the conversation, helping to make a difference.
Originally, Body Talk was a mock platform on negative body image that I came up with for my graduating project during my BA studies. I had always wanted to launch it to start helping others. I added topics on mental health like depression, anxiety and eating disorders to the platform after seeing how far behind India was in talking about it. This is a subject that is steeped in stigma and misinformation – even now. Due to shame, the lack of education and acceptance of it, there are millions suffering from various mental health issues in silence. There are even those who are unaware that they have it. I wanted to change this because I believe mental health is just as important (if not more so) than physical health and should be treated as something as natural too. After graduating from CSM in 2020, seeing the world in such chaos, and with mental health problems skyrocketing, it felt like the perfect time to launch Body Talk.
What does the word 'stigma' mean to you in terms of mental health, and body image, and why did this become the topic of your Zine?
Stigma is like an unnecessary roadblock. It’s what stops someone from real information and understanding. Through rose tinted glasses, the importance of mental health and negative body image gets tainted. We are living in a world wherein talking about our feelings and emotions -- something that makes us human – is labelled as weakness. Living in fear of being judged, many people are forced to swallow their pain and suffering. Looking at WHO’s statistics on the world’s suicide rate which says that close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, it’s clear that we have not handled things well. Mental health should be normalised and spoken about just like physical health is, because there is nothing “crazy” about it. The more it becomes part of conversations, education, and our system, the more support people will get and know how to recover from it.
Beauty has been a big part of our society and comprises some major industries in the world. Its perception has been integrated into our subconscious mind since childhood, and as we become adults, we still perceive it the same way. By defining what beauty is – what is most desirable, what it means to be healthy or strong, what a real man is, or how a woman should be – we are creating unrealistic realities, disappointments, discrimination, and bottled-up melancholy. It’s about time we embrace the differences and stop trying to create structures of division and exclusion.
Why do you think the topic of body image and mental health is particularly prominent in the current climate, and do you think art can be a form of therapy for these experiences?
The world is changing. I try to focus on the good part of it, but with our lives becoming faster and all kinds of information being available on our fingertips, it’s even more important to ground ourselves and focus on how it is affecting our health. Since the pandemic, mental health is finally a part of the conversation, at least in India. Suffering in isolation in an unpredictable, chaotic world has increased depression, anxiety and many other mental health issues. If we don’t address the subject and provide help now, then when? Lack of exercise and increase in stress levels affects our physical health as well as mental health. I have definitely had days when I have eaten my stress away which has resulted in weight gain and persistent anxiety. But because I’ve been working on my self perception for a long time now, I feel more comfortable and am more understanding with my body. I’m sure there are many others experiencing the same struggles. Therefore, it is important for us to reinforce what body positivity and mental wellness means, how we can help ourselves, and be kinder during our struggles, re-learning what it actually means to be healthy.
Yes, art can definitely be a form of therapy because it helps in self-expression. I believe art and design have the ability to provoke thought, induce empathy, as well as connect and communicate clearly, which is why it’s the core of Body Talk.
Are there any stand-out contributions you have had to Body Talk Zine, either online or in the upcoming print publication?
This is hard to answer because I honestly find all of them so different and effective in their own way. The content varies in both the digital and print zine: there are illustrations, films, interactive designs, comic strips, fashion photography and really interesting poems and articles. So, you see what I mean when I say it’s hard to pick one. However, I found Christaine Lange’s article ‘Femininity from the inside out’ on redefining your self perception of your body after surgery extremely inspiring. I cannot imagine her journey and it’s commendable!
How have you found the response to Body Talk Zine?
I’ve been really lucky as the response has been great! Everyone has something to say and use their work and words to express it; it’s very bold to talk about such sensitive subjects. When I launched the digital zine, I got 1200 views in the first week and I was extremely surprised because I was expecting like 50! I’m really grateful for all the support and feedback I’ve been getting.
When is the print Zine due to be published and where can our readers access Body Talk Zine?
The print zine was supposed to be launched in April, however, due to the horrible second wave of Covid-19 in India, it has been postponed to a later date. Even though it is live and accessible on Amazon India, I have paused the shipping for the time being as my focus has shifted towards helping those in need of resources during this tough time. Once things are better, the zine will also be available on other online stores in the UK and Europe. The zine also has a special booklet that addresses Covid-19 and the stories behind it, which can be relatable and brings people together with their experiences.
Body Talk is a platform that spreads awareness to break stigmas on Body Image and Mental Health through education, resources, open conversations, and creativity. It’s a community filled with empathy, support and understanding. You can find more from Body Talk Zine on their website, Instagram, or in Issue One of their Digital Zine.