UNMASKING ANXIETY
This exhibit invites you to step closer. To see what lies beneath the calm. To recognize your own reflection in the hidden heat of anxiety.
Watch a preview of the shifting infrared imagery used in the exhibit.
An Installation Exploring Mental Health Through Motion & Colour
This installation uses thermal imagery and colour to visualise what anxiety might look like beneath the surface. Inspired by facial thermography and mental health research, the animation reveals how emotional states — like stress — manifest through subtle temperature shifts in the body.
Created using Adobe After Effects and projection-mapped with MadMapper, the work simulates how heat builds in the forehead and jaw, while the nose and cheeks cool — a physiological pattern linked to anxiety. Effects like Glow, Tint, and Fractal Noise were layered with animated masks to bring this emotional data to life.
By combining colour theory with data visualisation, the piece aims to raise awareness around the invisible, internal experiences of anxiety — encouraging reflection and conversation about mental wellbeing in a visually immersive way.
Below are photographs documenting the installation process and final setup.
Mental Health Advice
1. You’re not alone.
Anxiety is common, especially during university. It's okay to feel overwhelmed — what matters is how you respond.
2. Breathe and ground yourself.
Simple grounding techniques like box breathing or naming five things around you can help calm racing thoughts.
3. Talk to someone.
Speak with a friend, tutor, or mental health adviser. Opening up can ease the pressure and gain perspective.
4. Find your calm.
Whether it's movement, music, journaling, or art — make time for things that help you reset.
5. Reach out for support.
Your university likely offers free counselling or wellbeing services. Don't hesitate to use them.
Support Services
Your mental health matters. Whether you're seeking tools to manage stress, support for anxiety or depression, or just someone to talk to—you're not alone. Our curated list of trusted mental health links is here to connect you with real help, real people, and real hope.
PHONE: 0300 123 3393
PHONE: 116 123
PHONE: 03444 775 774