Here, I don't have to be quiet grew from a desire to express myself without compromise. Something as simple as wearing nail polish had gradually become something I questioned, though not because I no longer enjoyed it, rather out of fear of displeasing other people. At some point, I realised I had quietly stopped giving myself permission to simply be.

This piece became a small act of reclaiming that permission. The painted nails are less about fashion than they are about self-expression, and about art as the one place where I never feel the need to apologise for who I am. Here, I can speak honestly. Here, I can take up space.

Making this work led me to an important realisation: I'd rather disappoint someone by being authentic than diminish myself by remaining silent. There is a quiet freedom in choosing not to dim your lustre.