Image courtesy Gallery 30 South website
Las Vegas-based muralist, graffiti artist, and tattooist Juan Muniz opens an exhibition Sunday, November 8, at Gallery 30 South in Pasadena, showcasing the stigma and taboo behind mental health and mental illness.
Muniz has always utilized his signature character Felipe – a cute but anxious pastel bunny of Muniz’s Ninobuni World – as an ambassador of mental health awareness. In this Ninobuni World Exhibition, his latest project, he will exhibit select paintings published in the book, “I’m Not Ok.”
With the book, Muniz has created a forum for kids and their parents to begin a conversation without apprehension. He has also created Ninobuni World, a lifestyle brand based off his artwork and imagination.
“I believe that one of the most important ways to battle mental illness is speaking up,” Juan Muniz says. ”As a person who suffers from depression and anxiety, I created a book that focuses on starting the conversation to help fight the stigma and taboo that is constantly encountered.”
Muniz launched a GoFundMe campaign last summer for “I’m Not Ok.” In this Ninobuni World Exhibition at 30 Gallery South, select paintings published in the book will be shown. Muniz will be there for the opening reception Sunday.
“These illustrations helped me as I created them because they are based on the emotions I feel and go through on a daily basis.” he said. “Hopefully these pieces of art and the accompanying text can reach those who feel lost, and be as therapeutic for them as this process has been for me.”
For free tickets to the opening reception, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ninobuni-
30 Gallery South is located at 30 S. Wilson Ave. in Pasadena.
