My Journey
From Mental Health Challenge to Self-Expression:
How Art Helped Me Heal
Art and mental health have a complex and fascinating relationship. Many famous artists, such as Francisco Goya, Vincent Van Gogh, Edward Munch, and Jackson Pollock, have been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, and their artworks reflect their emotional states. I can relate to them, as I have lived with schizophrenia for most of my life. My earlier artworks were dark and disturbing, showing the pain and fear that I experienced. Some of them depicted the traumatic events that I endured. Others expressed the pervasive feelings and moods that haunted me.
However, over time, I discovered that art could also be a way of healing and recovery. I started to use art as a form of role reversal, in which I imagined myself in different situations and perspectives and painted what I felt. This was like a visual psychodrama, a technique that helps people gain insight and understanding of themselves and others. I used the canvas as a stage, and the painting as a projection of my inner world. I experimented with different styles, colors, and forms, and tried to communicate my emotions and thoughts through them. I also discussed my artworks with others and learned from their feedback and interpretations.
Through this process, I was able to transform my mental health challenge from a curse to a gift. I realized that I had a unique and creative way of seeing and expressing myself, and that art was a powerful tool for personal growth and social change. I hope that my artworks can inspire and help others who are struggling with mental health issues and show them that there is hope and beauty in every situation.
Wholeness Through Painting
Quotes from Famous Artists Who Struggled and Triumphed
"The act of painting is about one heart telling another heart where he found salvation." - Francisco Goya
"I put my heart and soul into my work and have lost my mind in the process." - Vincent Van Gogh
“My fear of life is necessary to me, as is my illness. Without anxiety and illness, I am a ship without a rudder. My sufferings are part of myself and my art. They are indistinguishable from me, and their destruction would destroy my art.” - Edward Munch
“Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is.” - Jackson Pollock
“Alex is a talented and innovative artist who has explored the possibilities of new media art in his paintings. He has created works that combine digital techniques, interactivity, and social commentary, demonstrating his originality and vision. His paintings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also engaging and thought-provoking, inviting the viewers to reflect on the issues and themes that he addresses. He has also shown great enthusiasm and curiosity for learning new skills and tools and has been an active participant in our workshops and exhibitions. He has always been eager to experiment with different media and formats, and to collaborate with other artists and professionals. I highly recommend Alex for any opportunity that requires creativity, technical proficiency, and critical thinking, as he is a versatile, dedicated, and passionate artist who constantly strives to improve and innovate.”
- Behailu Bezabih, Assistant Professor, New Media Fine Arts
“I am incredibly proud to serve as the undergraduate advisor for the "Shuffling out of Schizophrenia" painting series, created by Alex. This project showcases a remarkable blend of artistic talent and thoughtful exploration of a deeply complex subject. Through captivating brushstrokes and thought-provoking compositions, Alex skillfully captures the raw emotions and struggles he faces with schizophrenia. This series represents not only a visually stunning collection but also serves as a powerful statement, urging society to approach mental health with compassion and understanding. In all aspects, Alex's dedication, creativity, and artistic growth throughout this project have been truly exceptional. It has been an honor to mentor Alex during this journey, and I can confidently say that his unique perspective and talent will continue to make a significant impact in the realm of art and mental health awareness."
- Robel Temesgen, Lecturer, Painting
“Alex is not only a talented painter, but also a keen learner and a critical thinker. His paintings reflect his deep appreciation and understanding of various artistic styles, traditions, and influences, ranging from ancient to contemporary, from Western to Eastern, and from realistic to abstract. He has skillfully blended these diverse elements into his own distinctive and original expression, creating works that are both captivating and meaningful. Alex has also demonstrated his academic excellence and analytical abilities in his written assignments and oral presentations, where he has provided thoughtful and well-supported arguments and evaluations of various artworks and artists. Alex is a well-rounded and versatile artist who has mastered the fundamentals of art and is ready to explore new challenges and opportunities in the art world. He has a strong foundation and a bright future ahead of him.”
- Geremew Feyissa, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Art History and Ethnoarchaeology