Cracks & Artwork of Lines
How would you express your pain?
Introduction
Dr. Zhimin Chen, a psychiatrist at the Shanghai Mental Health Center, played a key role in founding and operating the "No. 600 Gallery."
He also served as the curator for its art exhibition. Dr. Chen's research focuses on studying the mental health of renowned literary figures throughout history who have grappled with mental disorders.
By conducting psychopathological analysis, he explores the relationship between their mental health challenges and their artistic creations. Our first collaborative artist for this project is Cracks, whose artwork was previously showcased at the No. 600 Gallery.
The project's introduction derives from an interview with Dr. Chen.
Dr. Zhimin Chen
Q: Your primary research focus is psychobiography, which seems closely related to the humanities. Could you elaborate on this research field?
Mr. Chen: Absolutely, psychobiography is a research direction that lies at the intersection of psychiatry and the humanities. It can be regarded as a quintessential field within the humanities. The research entails studying historical artistic figures who had mental disorders, exploring whether they indeed experienced mental disorders and how their mental conditions influenced their artistic creations. These influences can manifest in both positive and negative ways. Given that these artistic figures have achieved significant artistic accomplishments and possess rich inner worlds, the overlap between their mental disorders and artistic creations is extensive. Therefore, they serve as ideal subjects for examining the relationship between mental disorders and artistic creation.
Q: Studying psychobiography requires a comprehensive understanding of the lives and creative careers of these individuals. How much time is typically devoted to this type of research, and what level of artistic insight do researchers need?
Mr. Chen: Engaging in psychobiography research is indeed time-intensive and demands a high level of artistic insight from researchers. In essence, it involves studying each celebrity as an individual case, with the research continually interconnected. Currently, I have investigated 28 celebrities in this field. Despite already accumulating 460,000 words of writing and having a forthcoming book, I still feel that this kind of research is not exhaustive. Considering the remarkable artistic achievements of these celebrities, studying a single individual could easily be a lifelong pursuit.
Q: You played a significant role in founding and operating the "No. 600 Gallery," which aimed to encourage individuals with mental disorders to engage in artistic expression. How do you perceive the relationship between art and mental illness?
Mr. Chen: There is undoubtedly a strong connection between mental disorders and art, which is precisely what my research aims to explore. On one hand, mental disorders can have certain advantages for artistic creation. They bring a unique perspective, provide abundant material for artistic expression, and ignite a passionate creative drive. Many artists possess distinctive worldviews and lifestyles, often characterized by nonconformity and unconventionality. This suggests that the more unique and expressive one's mind is, the greater the potential for extraordinary life experiences and artistic allure.
As the saying goes, "To establish oneself, one must be cautious; for writing, one must be unrestrained." This principle applies to the relationship between mental disorders and art as well. On the other hand, artistic creation can also have negative effects on mental health and contribute to the development of mental disorders. Excessive and intense artistic involvement can harm physical well-being, a fixation on artistic value may lead to a detachment from everyday life, and the relentless pursuit of inspiration can push one's mind into a pathological state. Therefore, the relationship between mental disorders and art is intricately intertwined. It is not simply a matter of "creating well because of illness," but also the possibility of "becoming ill because of creating well."
Understanding these dynamics can promote mental health and foster artistic creation. In my previous work supporting patients in their artistic endeavors, I focused on harnessing the therapeutic effects of artistic expression while minimizing any potential disruptions to their mental well-being.
Q: Some argue that a painter's art may be influenced by various external factors, but the art of individuals with mental disorders represents their entire world. What are your thoughts on this?
Mr. Chen: That perspective holds true. Artistic creation is a complex process, and artists face pressures and influences from various external factors. They may alter their artistic style due to criticism or conform to popular trends in order to sell their artwork. This interference often begins in art schools, where many artists struggle to fully express their inner spiritual world. They are often confined by existing artistic genres and techniques during their art training, which can create a gap and a sense of alienation from their true inner selves. It can even become a form of constraint and distortion of the psyche. In contrast, the artwork of individuals with mental disorders carries unique value. They do not paint for fame or monetary gain, nor do they seek to imitate or plagiarize existing art genres. Instead, they authentically and freely express their emotions, unleashing their creative power.
As I accompany patients on their artistic journeys, I personally witness the sincerity and depth of their artistic expression. Their artwork reflects their inner world and serves as a powerful means of self-expression and self-discovery.
Q: In the past, you collaborated with the community and used the power of art therapy to help individuals with mental disorders reduce psychological stress and improve their mental well-being.
Mr. Chen: I have previously worked with the community to assist individuals with mental disorders in their artistic endeavors, although my efforts were limited. This was primarily due to personal constraints and the challenge of finding a long-term partnership with a community rehabilitation organization. Nevertheless, art therapy proves to be an incredibly effective method for promoting patient recovery. It offers numerous advantages for rehabilitation institutions, such as its low cost, minimal space requirements, adaptability to both individual expression and group interaction, low skill level requirements, ease of preserving and exhibiting artworks, and the ability to deeply and freely convey inner emotions.
Given the opportunity, I aspire to establish a community-based rehabilitation institution, much like the one led by artist Guo Haiping in Nanjing, with a distinct focus on art therapy. This institution would attract patients who possess a desire and talent for artistic creation, providing them with the necessary resources to foster their creativity, facilitate communication and expression, and showcase their artwork through exhibitions. This not only allows patients to realize their potential and find meaning in their lives but also serves as a platform to challenge societal misconceptions and overcome the stigma associated with mental disorders through their artistic endeavors.
About the artist
Cracks
From being diagnosed with depression at the age of 14 to later confirming bipolar disorder in 2018, a torrent of accumulated pain propelled Cracks into the world of art."Initially, my inspiration stemmed from my depression, but later I incorporated more ideas into my artwork." Cracks has completed around 50 paintings, each serving as an outlet for her emotional expression and a manifestation of her soul. They have become her spiritual sanctuary, with each painting taking more than ten hours to create.
Past exhibitions I have participated in include:
- "Flyway Art and Mental Health Art Exhibition" - Shanghai, 2021
- "Blue Dreams - Depression/Bipolar Disorder Special Art Exhibition" - Shanghai, 2021
- "On My Mind - Exploring Mental Health Through Artistic Expression" - Shanghai, 2023
Artist's words
Cracks
Because I have always struggled with verbal expression since I was young, I turned to drawing as a way to convey my thoughts. Each artwork I create becomes a manifestation of my inner self. As a child, I found solace and tranquility in sketching intricate lines. I yearned for the day when I could fully express the tumultuous ideas within me, allowing others to witness my struggles, pain, and constant introspection.
Eventually, I stumbled upon the art of drawing, a craft that I not only excelled in but also developed a deep passion for. Rather than claiming that I found drawing, it feels more accurate to say that drawing chose me, and in turn, I chose it. Now, I have achieved my dream of translating my inner world onto paper through the strokes of my pencil. Drawing has become the vessel that carries my soul, providing a sanctuary for my spirit. Even if my creations are not embraced by others, it matters little. Drawing is a personal journey, an exclusive sanctuary that brings me immense joy.
Moreover, drawing goes beyond being a personal outlet for me. It serves as a means for individuals grappling with their own mental barriers to express themselves. I aspire to bring these individuals to the forefront, hoping they receive the recognition, understanding, support, and acceptance they deserve. I am determined to dedicate myself further to this cause, striving to make a difference through my art.
Interview
Q: The PowerPoint presentation shows artworks from 2020. Did you start creating art from 2020? Did you have any prior experience in painting?
Cracks: My journey began with studying visual communication in high school, where I first had the idea of capturing the world through art. However, lacking experience, I struggled to bring my visions to life. It wasn't until university that I delved into a more structured education, focusing on visual communication within the realm of graphic design. Despite my longing to pursue illustration, I faced various obstacles that prevented me from starting. In 2019, amidst battling severe depression, I made a conscious decision to wholeheartedly pursue my artistic aspirations, using art as a medium to express my innermost thoughts and emotions. The pain I felt was indescribable, and I yearned to translate these sentiments into visual form. Thus, in 2019, I began my creative journey. Although I lacked formal training in illustration, I persevered, overcoming challenges in areas such as form and composition. Finally, in 2020, I achieved my first complete painting, marking a significant milestone in my artistic evolution.
Q: Why did you choose painting as a means of expression?
Cracks: I love painting, and I'm not very good at expressing my emotions in words. Also, being an art student, I chose painting as my means of expression. I feel that painting, compared to language, is more accessible. As an ordinary person, if I were to express my thoughts in words, it would be pale, and others wouldn't be able to empathize. But if I paint it out, even with just a few strokes, others can feel the overall atmosphere and emotion. So, I think images are more intuitive.
Q: What do you feel during the creative process?
Cracks: I feel that painting is not only a record of a trace or a means to convey my thoughts to others. It's also a process of sorting and organizing my own thoughts and ideas. When you paint, you constantly think about the subject, which triggers more ideas. So, in the process of painting, I also gain a lot about being alone with my thoughts and various ideas. Painting makes me think about many things, such as the theme of the painting, and in this meticulous process, I also gain different insights. Perhaps I initially wanted to express a certain theme, but as I paint, I may realize that there are other perspectives. What I see in the painting can also break through the limits of my own thoughts.
Q: After creating for so long, from 2020 to 2024, have there been any changes in your mindset and artistic style?
Cracks: Let me talk about something more recent, the painting of "Shackles" in 2024. Initially, I wanted to paint a person bounded with many iron chains and some thorns that symbolize things that hurt me. But as I progressed, I realized that the gold color, which I initially intended to represent my blood, could also signify energy, like a spark. I wondered if I could transform these things that bind and hurt me into my own strength, turning them into weapons to fight back against the world. Painting is important because it records a person's growth. I painted some works based on my views at the time, and later, I painted a series of other perspectives. When I look back on this process, I find that my views on the same thing have changed. For example, when I painted "Connection" in 2021, I really wanted to establish a connection with the world. I felt that I couldn't face the world squarely, that I was not connected to the world. So, in the later stages, I painted many circles, indicating that they were linked to others, while I, as an individual, was in the middle. I hoped to grow thorns and pierce through this barrier to connect with others. This reflects my view on connecting with the outside world in 2021. In 2022, you can see the painting "Island". This also depicts my connection with the world. At that time, I felt like I was on an island. Later, I felt the influence and support from the people around me. I felt that through this network or connection, they silently influenced me. I felt that I was connected to them, so I didn't feel alone. Then in 2023, I painted "Single Cell". At that time, I felt that I could be alone and didn't need much contact with the outside world to gain strength. I also felt that dealing with others was troublesome, and I was happy being a single-celled organism. This also reflects my growth process.
Q: I feel that all your paintings have a very distinct personal style. Have you been influenced by any artists?
Cracks: Yes, because I used to like Gothic style. And because I really like the director Tim Burton, fond of this slightly darker style. Later, I also liked Junji Ito, although scared, I still like his artistic style. So, I thought I also liked this form of expression, and I integrated it into the elements of my paintings.
Q: At 600 Gallery, in the bipolar world of restlessness and melancholy, when did you decide to showcase your artwork? What motivated you to display your work to a wider audience?
Cracks: Well, I've always wanted to do this because the origin of my painting lies in my desire to express myself and to let more people see my expressions. Initially, I would share my work on social media, but because I lacked confidence in myself at the time, I worried that my artistic style, which is rather uncommon, might not be accepted. I wondered, what if others couldn't appreciate it? How would that impact me? What if they didn't like it? Later, I began submitting my work to public platforms and received a lot of recognition. Subsequently, I realized that exhibitions require opportunities, and I really hoped for such a chance to allow more people to see my art. I wanted to be seen, understood, supported, and embraced, and I also hoped that society could see this group. So, when the opportunity arose, I seized it. I hadn't submitted my work for exhibitions before because I felt I hadn't reached that level and also because I didn't think I had the opportunity. But later, if the opportunity came, I would take it.
Q: How do you feel when your artwork is seen and appreciated by others?
Cracks: It gives me a sense of being supported. I feel that if others can see and feel the imagery and connect with me, then I don't need to express myself in words anymore. Everyone can understand it at a glance, and I feel that this sensation is akin to being in a very dark corner. Why is my name "cracks"? It's because these fissures don't represent a rupture from the outside world to myself; instead, I'm opening up holes in my world and inviting others to see it. That's why I like this name. The feeling of having my artwork displayed is like inviting everyone into my world, allowing them to see what I've always wanted to express, and witnessing my dark little corner also being bathed in sunlight.
Q: Have you received feedback from the audience? Can you give an example?
Cracks: If you're going to hold an exhibition, there will definitely be both negative and positive comments, it's inevitable. During the exhibition at 600 Gallery, I spent several days specifically sitting there and asked others to help me write some comments, and I did receive some feedback. There were some key phrases that stood out, such as "seeing struggle and hope," "your fissures contain galaxies and the universe, as well as the power of life, including creative individuals, a presence in this world's order, you've already begun to shine." These are the comments that left a deep impression on me. Later, during my personal exhibition, I also received a lot of feedback, including expressions of gratitude for my efforts, a long-lost resonance in the soul, a deep and inexplicable sadness, and the recognition that the work is deeply touching, wishing that we could all gain the strength and courage to move forward. There were also messages expressing gratitude for a sincere and moving letter. Many such messages were left, approximately.
Q: How do you view the interaction between the audience and your artwork?
Cracks: Because I engage in this endeavor, I really hope to receive feedback. This feedback is not only a response to what I did at the time, but also something beautiful that I cherish. It supports me like a kind of strength, and even if I encounter difficulties in the future, I can take it out and look at it, and it feels like a source of energy.
Q: How do you perceive the connection between art and mental/spiritual health?
Cracks: I think art is a great medium because I believe that everyone can be an artist. I don't think art is about whether something is ugly or about simplicity versus complexity; it's not a lofty term. I believe that everyone can be an artist as long as they want to express themselves. Whether it's making a small craft, a small installation, or painting a simple picture, that's art. And I think people should express themselves.
Featuring Artworks
The Spiral·漩涡
"There are days of agony, many of them. In those days, I seem to have lost my ability to sleep, to eat, to communicate, I am left with nothing but eternal pain and scars. This makes me extra grateful of the days that feel alive. I savour every bite of food, bathe in every stroke of sunlight, inhale every breath of air I can—staying alive is difficult, might as well enjoy life while I can."
It's as if I sometimes find myself on the same path I've walked before—yesterday, the day before, last month, or even last year. This path is riddled with holes, holes I keep falling into no matter how familiar I am with them. These holes represent my fears and traumatic past, pulling me down and leaving me crawling out, dripping wet. I berate myself for my stupidity, and this self-contempt only worsens my emotional state, hence, the downward spiral. My therapist told me to take better care of myself. I can't—not yet. I haven't learned to pity myself, but I've started questioning and blaming myself less, learning to love myself a little more. I know I have the strength to overcome these holes, but I still struggle to escape the emotions that drag me down every time.
Melting·融化
"The memories of these days damp my eyes. Oh, the things I overcome, and overcome, and overcome."
Another depressive episode has passed. How do I describe it? It is as if I would end up in a car accident every winter, yes, that describes it well, very well, broken bones, pain as the bones squirm back to place, and a lot of time in bed, bedridden.
The abyss·洞
"I seem not to have the privilege to say that I am unsatisfiable, nor do I have the privilege to complain of the burdens and pain I endure. An unsatisfiable abyss, the more you put in, the more empty it is."
I seem to be unsatisfiable, an abyss of emptiness. I devour entire cakes, not slices, for slices are incomplete. I need, an entire, complete, round cake. It seems to be able to fill me up, it would complete me. How sickening.
Drainage·内耗
"The superficial serenity strains the waves crashing underneath. Information crowds and barks at me from all around, what is left of me is nothing but a shattered broken thing."
I am tired. Tired of my thoughts. Why do people think? A stupid question, I know. I used to wonder "what is the purpose of life?" I used to go search for the answer in all places, crevices and cracks. Now, like an ignorant fool, I think "what do I care." Why should I seek for a purpose when I cannot die anyways? Does the wise man trumps in happiness over the fool?
Sliced Open·割开
"The moon and the sun slices the day into the night and the day, you and I, sliced by the waves splashing on the shore of our hearts. Joy and tears intertwined."
When I think of those days, the days without sleep, the days without food, without communication, without input and acknowledgement, but pain! Pain, pain, and scars. The nights of those days were extremely difficult. And years after years of those nights and days. Half of the year spent, every year, in this disease that fills me to the brim with dying thoughts. One day without, would be a good day.
The Free Soul·灵魂自由
"It is difficult to ask for the cause and becoming of the truth, it is difficult to embrace the cold and the warmth. I still strive for the syncing of our souls, and feel the breathe of freedom pulsing deep down."
My body is trapped, but my soul lurks free.
The Hero·神
“I think of myself as my own hero. I no longer heed destiny, kneeling in front of her as a desperate worshipper, a victim in need. I took her power, and gave myself a kingdom of my own. The reason we feel pain is because we are alive, with destiny an item clenched in our hands."
I came across a letter written to my 22-year-old self from when I was 17:
"I hope that you will say to yourself, regardless of who you become, "let it be, it is what it is, even if it's not what you wished for or wanted, be happy and carefree of your decisions.. Believe that closure will come, and whatever is happening, shall end, whatever is troubling, show come to resolve. You shall thrive through everything as you did through ignorance and despair. And so here I swear: I will live in dignity and hope.
I will live in connection and acceptance with the world, and finally, I will live. Even though I will become the past, but I will be with you as you, in every moment you live, and in every moment you shine a path to an even brighter you.
It is until now that I have realized: I have been my own hero all along."
The Other Dimension·异时空
“The future remains unknown, the past remains unreachable. But I stand in the presence, and give myself a hug, you have worked hard, and I will try my best too."
March 2014, I just finished the Arts Undergraduate Admissions Exam and in the process of preparing for the
college entrance examination in June. March 2024, I just booked the venue for an exhibition, while preparing for the exhibition in June. I am trying my best to fulfil my dreams.