36×48 inches

This painting portrays a man with a neutral, stoic expression, his face a mask of composure. However, within the confines of his head lies a striking visual—a red, raw depiction of his brain, which is a version of himself curled tightly in the fetal position. This imagery lays bare the hidden turmoil and mental struggles he endures but suppresses from the outside world.

The piece speaks to the societal stereotype that men must "deal with" their problems in silence, carrying the weight of their emotions internally while being told to simply "man up." This harmful expectation has made it commonplace for men to bury their struggles rather than confront them, denying themselves the space to process emotional and mental challenges in a healthy way.

Through its evocative symbolism, the painting serves as a wake-up call—a bold reminder that true strength lies not in suppressing pain but in confronting it. It challenges the notion of masculinity as silence and endurance, urging men to "man up" in a meaningful way by addressing their mental and physical well-being with honesty and care.