Adored Brisbane-based abstract artist Emma Darrouzet, renowned for her vibrant work with bright neons and pastels, and her bold and freely painted patterns, line work and colour blending, is showcasing her brand-new collection with a solo exhibition at Studio on Brunswick, nestled in Fortitude Valley’s California Lane.

Aptly titled A Kale Smoothie is not Going to Fix This, Emma Darrouzet’s must-see exhibition is, as she describes, an exploration of the mind when people offer their unsolicited and ill-informed advice. The title of the pieces shine satirical light on the complexities of dishing out well-meaning-yet-completely-useless suggestions and support when trying to help someone navigate a mental health situation. No, fresh air won’t cure a mental health condition. Taking up bushwalking doesn’t ‘fix’ anxiety … and no, a kale smoothie is not going to fix this.

Evoking thought and introspection, Emma Darrouzet’s exciting new body of work explores the mind when people offer such unsolicited advice, and provides a voice for those who are too often ignored, dismissed and disbelieved – all in the hope that people will reconsider telling a friend they should try green tea to cure their depression.

Emma Darrouzet’s solo exhibition A Kale Smoothie is not Going to Fix This will light up the walls of Studio Brunswick from October 19 through to November 2. Locals are invited to the opening night on Friday October 20 from 5:30 pm – it’s free to attend, and drinks, nibbles and a much-needed dopamine hit are provided. Secure a spot to the exhibition’s opening night here.

^{Image one: Emma Darrouzet / “Why are you in a bad mood?”/ Acrylic, spray paint and gouache on canvas framed in Tasmanian oak, 122cm x 200cm
Image two: Emma Darrouzet / “That sounds like a made up problem”/ Acrylic and gouache on canvas framed in Tasmanian oak, 90cm x 120cm
Image three:  Emma Darrouzet /”Nothing will work unless you do” / Acrylic, spray paint and gouache on canvas framed in Tasmanian oak, 100cm x 150xm}