Brand new exhibition ‘The Artist is Insane’ by artist ‘Mud’ lands at St. George’s Arts Centre in Gravesend, Kent next week and it runs from Tuesday 7th Feb – 12th, 2023.
This exhibition is a powerful representation of ‘Mud’ and their lived experience of Borderline Personality Disorder and psychosis. The raw honesty of artwork provides a unique insight into the challenges and struggles faced by those living with the condition.
The use of visual media to express personal emotions and experiences is both moving and thought-provoking, making this exhibition a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersections of mental health and creative expression.
As a team of creatives, designers and artists at Mental Movement Magazine, we understand that the depiction of mental illness through art is a delicate and complex process that requires sensitivity and awareness.
Creatively, the challenge always lies in avoiding reinforcement of harmful stereotypes and misconceptions that unintentionally contribute to stigma surrounding mental illness. Mud’s visionary approach sees her successfully translate complex emotions in a way that is both empowering and relatable.
Using a multi-disciplinary approach, Mud delves into open and honest discourse about sensitive subjects like suicide, self-harm, and sexual abuse. Through her work, she seeks to break down the barriers and presents a realistic and raw depiction of mental illness. This has the potential to significantly impact future conversations about mental illness, especially for conditions like BPD that are often portrayed negatively in the media. A clearer representation of such topics is desperately needed.
This exhibition is for everyone; from those with mental health conditions, to professionals, to the general public. It is guaranteed to be relatable, insightful, and plumb the depths of the inner psyche with shockingly honest and open artworks.
About the Artist
Mud is a multi-disciplinary artist working primarily with acrylic paints on recycled and found materials, such a cardboard and parcel packaging.
Born in Okinawa, Japan, they moved to England in 1998. They completed a Foundation Course in Art & Design at the University for the Creative Arts in 2012 and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration at Worcester University in 2015.
After being diagnosed in 2013 whilst at university, they struggled to find an artistic style that felt ‘authentic’ and ‘raw’ enough. One of the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an unstable sense of self. This is reflected in their earlier works where the inability to feel connected to themself is mirrored in the ever-changing artistic style.
Having been sectioned and institutionalised in psychiatric hospitals multiple times, countless therapies and counselling, and several art-life crises, Mud now feels in a position where their artwork has become meaningful. With a focus on mental ill-health and a fervent desire to create, they have completed the works which you will see in this exhibition.
Mud’s ultimate goal is to put on a solo exhibition and to eventually have their artwork exhibited in Bethlem Gallery at Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham.
‘The Artist is Insane – an exhibition of mental health and creativity’ runs from 7th – 12th February 2023 at St. George’s Arts Centre in Gravesend, Kent. For further information, click here: The Artist is Insane Exhibition
