rebelartworks by Bhavya R
mental health series
NOTE FROM THE ARTIST
The series is an illustration of the stages of recovery post a psychotic episode, in my own experience. While it’s not based on documented research, it is comparable to the better known stages of grief as understood in psychology.
About the series
The series came about almost in a frenzy of thought and inspiration, the source of which remains elusive. However, the network that forms the basis of expansion in each of the paintings is a conscious and personal design of the artist. The artworks embody an intimate psychological journey, arrived at after years of psychiatric therapy, nearing are solution of sorts.The works invite the viewer to reflect on ideas of conscious and unconscious living, thereby raising the subconscious to levels where memory, emotion and cognition collide. A state in which dreams seem like reality and where the individual is virtually controlling his or her existence.
The ten pieces below are sequentially the series titled, ‘Escape from Reality – Inviting introspection’ Each piece can also be viewed independently, as illustrated by its title.
ECSTASY
The moments before the realization that psychosis has set in.
An orgasmic burst of form and colour where the circles represent embryonic states and the potential of life around them. Bright yellows, oranges and reds are contrasted with blue for grounding in, as well as to symbolise an aspect of the origin of life, water.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
SOLD
INSANITY
When behaviour becomes out of sync with reality.
The dictionary defines insanity as ‘making the same and repeated attempt and expecting different results’. The dispersed circles suggest the same action and the curved lines around them demonstrate levels of expectations. Browns and blues are used to suggest the gritty manifestations that oppress flights of fantasy.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
SOLD
WITHDRAWAL
When caretakers stop being family and instead nurses and doctor.
Succumbing to the care of people you don’t trust and who do not understand what you may have gone through… The form recalls the shape of angels’ wings into which one may withdraw with ease. The colours remain brown, green and blue to maintain the edgy graveness of life while yellow and white add brightness to inspire hope.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
SOLD
INCLUSIVE
After forced caretaking comes a desperate need for normal.
The form is meant to suck you in. It is representative of the times when fitting in becomes a suffocating barrage of forced bonds that overtake the experience of a sense of belonging. The paper is a bright orange and the prominent use of pink and blue colours represent the division of gender roles as understood in popular society.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
ELUSIVE
One usually finds belonging faraway in the universe through the starry night sky.
Deep blue tones of the night sky are representative of the depth and longing to be one with the universe which is out of reach. The circular forms and curved lines are left unconnected to illustrate the concept of an enigmatic ideal that is so vital to the existential experience.The pink smatters attempt to create an intimacy around the moment.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
SOLD
INTIMACY
Acceptance helps us allow love to enter our lives.
Flesh tones and undulating forms engage the viewer to imagine the human act of coitus. This piece is an attempt to celebrate the union of mutual comfort, trust and respect. The experience of sensuality and emotion combine in amorphous forms of love.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
SOLD
MEMOIR
Experiences build us from the inside creating a unique personal patchwork.
This piece is a collection of life experiences that have been reproduced across the series thus far. It is an attempt to break with self-imposed rules that were followed while the works were being created. Hence, there is use of multiple movements of form and a meandering colour palette.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
Not for sale
TUMULT
Memories maybe good or bad and make emotions erupt.
There is a realisation of nostalgia and an upheaval of repressed memories and emotions that rise tumultuously. Regrets and reasoning pile up, one on top of each other, with the motion of settling down being, for the moment, out of sight but is always in process.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
TEMPTATION
Unpleasant feelings lead to comparisons with others wanting what they have. But also builds personal goals.
The choice of green is to represent the colour of jealousy. The circular forms are being repeatedly approached by curved lines that just don’t seem to reach them. The feeling grows and wanes and the undertone of desire is what is being illustrated.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
DESTINY
Even simple goals help a mental health patient get out of bed. I’ve taken the liberty to make it fantastical with the element of destiny.
The paper has a golden shimmer to express euphoria.There is only one circular format the top left corner of the painting and all the curved lines are drawn towards it. The colours used are of peculiar significance to the artist’s personal life.
Acrylic, crayons on handmade recycled paper
3ft x 2ft
If you’d like to purchase a piece, commission something inspired by the series, or learn more about the process and availability, write to us at
teamartoffice.bhavya@gmail.com
Castle on a Cloud - Child Rights Series
