Mental health matters: Artists inspired by mental illness

Mental health has been associated with a stronger spark in creativity. Although mental illness continues to be highly stigmatized by some, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that many acclaimed artists have been inspired by their mental illness.

Motherhood Community hopes to remove the stigma associated with mental illness by recognizing the talented artists who have created awe-inspiring works in spite of their mental health struggles.

If you have a child or loved one who has been diagnosed with a mental illness, you can provide them with a source of encouragement by sharing the names of the many famous, talented, and successful people who have battled mental illness.

What is the connection between art and mental health?

Art therapy has been identified as being a healthy and therapeutic means of expression for the mentally ill.

Arts and crafts give people with mental illness the opportunity to create something beautiful and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Since many mentally ill people are unable to hold down a steady job, hobbies, such as art, also provide them with something to do to pass the time.

Many so-called ‘normal’ people have a hard time understanding certain mental health symptoms, such as hallucinations. Therefore, mentally ill people often have trouble verbally explaining what they are experiencing. It’s a lot easier to just paint a picture.

Additionally, increased creativity is a symptom of some mental health disorders, including Bipolar mania. Late actor Robin Williams struggled with this condition, and it’s been said that Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel during a manic episode.

Which artists have been inspired by mental illness?

Many well-known prominent artists have been inspired by their battle with mental illness, including Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Francisco De Goya, and Edvard Munch.

These artists all suffered from mood swings, severe anxiety attacks, depression, and even hallucinations. And yet, they still managed to become successful artists and household names within the world of art.

Pablo Picasso is one artist who specifically created sought-after abstract pieces with hidden meanings only found in the eye of the beholder. His artwork was inspired by the confusion present in his own mind. However, many art collectors are still drawn to his random splashes of color.

Vincent Van Gogh is famous for self-mutilation and his painting of his own bandaged ear. This piece emulates both physical pain and a calm psychological state, which is common in people who engage in self-injurious behaviors.

Edvard Munch captured grief and maternal loss in his one painting that was inspired by his sister’s death. He also created the iconic piece titled ” The Scream” which highlights fear and anxiety reflected in both the surroundings and faces in the painting.

Although these are some of the more famous mentally ill artists, there are numerous other artworks out there that were inspired by mental illness, but painted by lesser known artists, including Paula Scooter and Emma Haddow.

Certainty, there will be more paintings created by people who battle mental illness. If your child suffers from a mental health disorder, you should enroll them in art therapy and encourage their creative self-expression. Who knows? They may be the next Picasso.