Advertisement
Art

Street Art: ‘Survival Girl’ is a painting of truth and resilience

The Big Issue’s Street Art page gives talented, marginalised individuals an outlet for creative expression

‘Survival Girl’

By Christie Cassisa

Frequent Street Art contributor Christie came from an abusive childhood, and as an adult has struggled with depression, alcohol and drug problems and homelessness. She discovered art in school as a means of escape and expression. She took this painting “unfinished” to the Jealous Gallery in London, for an art workshop organised by The Big Issue together with renowned artist Charming Baker.

“Charming liked the painting as it was,” Christie explains. “He was concerned that if I finished it, I would lose the detail of the silver necklace. I understood what he meant and I made sure I kept the raw spontaneous feel. In this painting I have captured the look of my friend, who has suffered a lot of life trauma. I see a girl who is a survivor and still open hearted enough to offer her truth to others.”

Support out street artists over at The Big Issue Shop.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Never miss an issue

Take advantage of our special subscription offer. Subscribe from just £9.99 and never miss an issue.

Recommended for you

Read All
Widower of disabled woman in bitter, years-long legal battle after DWP denied him benefits
Department for Work and Pensions

Widower of disabled woman in bitter, years-long legal battle after DWP denied him benefits

Transphobia and homophobia are terrible for the economy, report finds
London Trans+ Pride
LGBTQ+ rights

Transphobia and homophobia are terrible for the economy, report finds

Migrant care worker left homeless after being 'exploited' UK employer: 'It's a national scandal'
Cardboard and a sleeping bag, on the church premises where Joseph is sleeping
Immigration

Migrant care worker left homeless after being 'exploited' UK employer: 'It's a national scandal'

Five things we learned from Pope Francis' candid and historic Big Issue interview
Pope Francis

Five things we learned from Pope Francis' candid and historic Big Issue interview

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue