Dale vN Marshall’s I Am Not A Child: A Visual Journey into Youth Mental Health Advocacy

Mental health issues among youth are often stigmatized and overlooked. To address this, British artist Dale vN Marshall (who now goes by Vermin Graffiti) created his multimedia series, I Am Not A Child, as a reminder of the struggles faced by young people grappling with mental illness. He uses a powerful combination of visual art, poetry and theatre to shed light on the complexities of youth mental health. 

In creating his pieces, Marshall draws inspiration from his own experience with childhood mental illness and the stories of teenagers suffering from mental health issues that he worked with in Edinburgh. His pieces help youths suffering from mental illnesses to feel represented and heard. Furthermore, they help them to cope and heal. This is why I Am Not A Child by Dale vN Marshall is relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Well-Being. 

I Am Not A Child was born out of Marshall's desire to create a platform for young people to share their experiences and challenge prevailing narratives around their mental health. He reflected on his background as a graffiti artist and fine art painter. He was then on a journey to Edinburgh, where he collaborated with local teenagers living with conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, autism and trauma. Through a series of workshops and collaborative sessions, Marshall and the young participants of his workshops explored themes of identity, mental health resilience and self-expression. They utilized techniques ranging from collage to abstract expressionism to share their innermost thoughts and emotions onto canvas. The results are a body of deeply personal and universally relatable work.

As I Am Not A Child made its debut at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, the emotional impact of the series hit hard as participants expressed their fears, hopes and struggles through paintings and performances that were supported by renowned spoken-word poet Jenny Lindsay and the Edinburgh-based theatre company The Acting Scene. The pieces’ use of symbolism, abstract imagery and text also further helps create a visual language that speaks directly to the viewer, as their universal nature invites them to engage with the raw and unfiltered emotions each child depicts in each piece.

Central to I Am Not A Child are children’s and teenager’s agency and empowerment. Marshall's decision to amplify the voices of young people living with mental illness challenges societal norms and encourages a more empathetic and inclusive understanding of mental health. The series gives children and teenagers struggling with mental health a platform for self-expression and validation, empowering participants to reclaim their narratives and challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The exhibition's title, I Am Not A Child, also serves as a powerful statement of defiance and self-assertion. It reflects the participants' desire to be seen and heard as individuals rather than being defined by their diagnoses or struggles or having them diminished because of their young age. Through art, they assert their humanity and agency, reclaiming control over their stories and identities.

Having been institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital himself and grappling with his struggles, Marshall brings a unique perspective to the project, bridging the gap between artist and participant. His willingness to share his experiences creates a sense of solidarity and understanding, fostering a supportive and inclusive creative environment for the children and teenagers participating in his workshops and art creation.

Mental health issues in youths are often swept under the rug or sensationalized, hence I Am Not A Child offers a refreshing and authentic portrayal of the human experience which affects some of society’s most vulnerable. It invites viewers to confront their preconceptions and biases, fostering empathy, understanding and ultimately, healing. Through art, children and teenagers who struggle with mental health issues find connection, validation and hope – a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles and that together, everyone can create a more compassionate and supportive world for all.

Find out more about I Am Not a Child  and other initiatives by Dale vN Marshall on his website www.vermingraffiti.com.