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MHE PROJECT EXPLAINED
monica silva
Jan 31, 2025
Summary
MHE Project - My Hidden Ego - Psychology in portraiture - A new Evolution
MHE is the natural evolution of my long-established project, My Hidden Ego – Psychology in Portraiture. Over the years, My Hidden Ego has been a deep exploration into the inner lives of individuals, captured through powerful portraiture. With MHE, I continue this journey, expanding the dialogue and pushing self-exploration boundaries.
At Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan, I presented a new unedited session titled 15 Minutes to Be Real Performance, which further amplifies the themes of my work. This performance challenges participants to confront their true selves, offering a raw and unfiltered experience that connects directly with the essence of human vulnerability.
In collaboration with many partners and with the support of Fabbrica del Vapore, Milan and the Culture department of the city of Milan, I launched the project officially which was met with incredible success.
MHE Project© is the result of a creative collaboration between Monica Silva and Valerio Fausti, merging art and design to foster personal and collective well-being. Rooted in portrait psychology and social design, the project explores creativity as a transformative force capable of resolving conflicts, reducing inequalities, and inspiring positive social change. The initiative employs a diverse toolkit, including visual arts, photography, video, installations, literature, sound, and design disciplines, to integrate awareness into daily life. At its core, MHE Project© believes in the power of beauty to activate self-healing and empowerment, reinforcing the idea that by uniting strengths, we can reshape society through artistic expression.
The MHE PROJECT© also garnered the attention of the Italian press and a feature in La Lettura cover by Corriere della Sera, as a special number including an NFT of the work which added a lot to its visibility and impact.
Now, we are seeking new spaces and partners to bring this initiative across Europe, expanding its impact and reach.
THE SESSIONS
MY HIDDEN EGO - UNVEILING A NEW ME More than a photography project, My Hidden Ego is a self-esteem-building experience. Monica Silva’s pioneering research in Psychology in Portraiture, spanning over two decades, transforms the portrait into a therapeutic tool. Using make-up, styling, staged settings, and visual storytelling, individuals reveal their “hidden selves,” encouraging a journey of self-acceptance and empowerment.
15 MINUTES TO BE REAL (PERFORMANCE) A unique immersive experience where participants engage in silent self-reflection before stepping onto a photographic set. In a soundproof “white room for the soul,” guided prompts help individuals connect with their essence. The subsequent photographic session becomes a deep exchange of emotions, captured through ALL COLORS OF EMOTIONS, a visual language portraying unfiltered human expressions.
COLLATERAL EXPERIENCES & TOOLS
- THE MIRROR OF THE SELF – A design art installation
- MOTIVATIONAL KIT – A self-improvement card box
- MOTIVATIONAL APPAREL – T-shirts, tote bags, and posters
- AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS – Focused on mental well-being
MHE Project© is now expanding its reach, inviting partners, venues, and institutions to collaborate and bring the project across Europe. Join us in reshaping the world through creativity!
Watch the BTS movie. drop me a note, I'd love to hear your thoughts. #shareyourlove
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