Wednesday October 15, 2008

Mental health patients express themselves via artworks

By PRIYA MENON

An art exhibition themed ‘Journey Into the Minds’ depicting artworks by mental health patients is being held at the Annexe Gallery, Central Market Annexe.

In conjunction with the World Mental Health Day 2008 on Oct 10, the two-week exhibition is organised by the Department of Psychological Medicine, University Malaya and Janssen Cilag through their ‘Circle of Care’ philantrophy programme.

The president of Asean Psychiatry Association, Profes-sor Dr Mohamad Hussain Habil said the art exhibition was a different way to celebrate the World Mental Health Day.

Inner feelings: This is one of the many paintings on show at the art exhibition themed ‘Journey Into the Minds’.

“Usually people have forums and discussions, this is the 21st century approach to understanding the patients,” said Dr Mohamad.

Malaysian Psychiatry Association president Dr Yen Teck Hoe said: “Some patients need a way to express their feelings, because they have difficulty talking about it, so art is a way to understand what they feel.”

He added that it was only part of the treatment process as medication, counselling and therapy sessions would still be needed.

Jambunathan: ‘The exaggerated pieces were sculpted by a lady who has issues with her body and sexuality

The art pieces at the exhibition are the works of the patients during their therapy period as painting helps them communicate with the outside world.

“It is their way of expressing and connecting with the outside world,” added Dr Yen.

He said that exhibitions like these would help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health patients.

“From their oddness, comes forth a creativity that creates masterpieces, we even hope to make some of them future ‘Van Goghs’,” said Dr Mohamad.

One patient, Fathullah Yusoff, 36, who suffers from bipolar and schizophrenia said that the painting and drawing silenced the voices and confusion in his head.

Dr Yen: ‘Some patients need a way to express their feelings, because they have difficulty talking about it.’

“There was a time when my brain just wouldn’t stop thinking and painting was the only way I could briefly shut it down,” said Fathullah who has suffered the coinditions since his early 20s.

Uniquely, his paintings look like a jumbled mass of lines from afar, but when one looks closely there are so many intricate patterns and designs.

“This one (jumbled paintings) is my way of writing letters to my friends and family,” he added.

He has been warded three times in the past and was even caught by the authorities wandering the streets alone in a state of disorientation.

“It was a scary experience. I sympathise with all those on the streets.

“The next time you see someone on the road, dirty and unwashed, buy him a drink or food,” he said.

“We are just like you, the only difference is that our brains are very busy,” he laughed.

Today he is a lyricist and a professional painter but he is only displaying the work he did during his therapy sessions at the exhibition.

Other interesting artworks were sculptures depicting distorted female or possibly even male figures.

The organising chairperson DrStephen Jambunathan from the Department of Psychological Medicine, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) said that the exaggerated pieces were sculpted by a lady who has issues with her body and sexuality.

“She is a qualified professional but like everyone else she has insecurities and her pieces show her timid nature, “ he said.

He added that she is well on her way to recovery and is showing progress in her treatment.

The exhibition is being held at the Annexe Gallery from Oct 10 to 24. Members of the public can also join in the workshops held on Saturdays and Sundays for free.

For enquiries visit the Annexe Gallery website at www.annexegallery.com.