Testimonial Murals
September 2025 - Present
Rooted in research and personal narrative, Testimonial Murals transform lived experiences of mental illness into public visual language. Drawing from interviews and psychological research, each mural amplifies real voices and stories, fostering empathy and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health.
Tug a War
acrylic on mural fabric, October 2025
Tug a War explores the ongoing tension between emotional highs and lows experienced by individuals living with anxiety and OCD. The mural emerged from interviews with close friends who shared candid reflections on their mental health, offering personal insight into cycles of burnout, resilience, and recovery.
Drawing on research in psychopathology and inspired by Doris Salcedo’s testimonial-based practice, the project transforms lived experience into a visual metaphor for psychological struggle. The composition’s dual structures, abrupt tonal shifts, and weather motifs mirror the volatility of mood and the constant internal push and pull described by the interviewees.
Through this testimonial-driven approach, Tug a War aims to foster empathy and visibility for those navigating the complexities of mental illness, translating private experiences into a collective, public conversation.
Community Murals
Murals have been a central focus of Wienandt’s artistic practice for the past four years, beginning in high school and continuing into her current work. From three murals in downtown Neenah, WI, to a 980-square-foot piece in Newark, OH, she has explored new creative territories and aims to continue expanding her practice through future projects for nonprofits and local businesses.
June 2022 - Present
Exist out of Spite
Wienandt collaborated with the Newark Pride Coalition and Newark Homeless Outreach to create Exist out of Spite. Rooted in a previous practice painting influenced by Glenn Ligon, this mural centers text as a narrative tool, incorporating phrases submitted by community members—such as the title, “Exist out of Spite”—to amplify collective voices of presence and resistance.
Bold, unblended color blocks complement the wall’s grooved surface and reflect the joyful, affirming tone envisioned by the community.
At 800 square feet, the project was physically and emotionally demanding, from painting through thunderstorms to navigating unexpected hazards, yet each challenge underscored the mural’s urgency. This work marks a shift from individually driven projects to collaborative, politically charged practice, leaving Wienandt emboldened to continue creating art that uplifts, challenges, and speaks for others.
acrylic, 800 sq ft, May 2025
