Inmate art exhibit draws attention to mental health
By CFP-Globaltimes.cn, Published: 2015-11-05 16:27:28
The above painting, titled Dark Schizophrenic, was created by a prisoner surnamed Wang, 28, diagnosed with schizophrenia and anxiety neurosis. His work features a man imagining the pleasure he will derive from destroying a cabinet, heart, and flower.Photos: Lin Hongxian/Visual China/ Southern Metropolis Daily
Editor's Note:
A recent exhibition of art by both patients and inmates with psychiatric disorders was held in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province as part of an effort to raise awareness of mental health and the effectiveness of treatment programs. The third Raw Art and Psychological Drawing exhibition, organized by the Guangdong Psychological Association and the Guangdong Provincial Association of Chinese Medicine, marked World Mental Health Day on October 10 with the works of mentally-ill prisoners and patients undergoing art therapy.
A Woman’s Allure, by 28-year-old prisoner surnamed Wang (no relation with above), shows a man lustfully staring at a nude woman with exaggerated features. 
Dragon with black hole by Wang Hua. A 28-year-old prisoner diagnosed with schizophrenia, Wang explained the dragon is shouting into a black hole. Doctors said Wang believes he can “summon the winds and command the rain” and “hopes to save mankind.” 
Passing On by 42-year-old patient surnamed Chen who suffers from chronic depression. The work shows a disembodied orange head of a woman looking at the bust of a man, depicting the love between them. 
Hallucination by a mentally-handicapped prisoner surnamed Chen, 31. The painting is dominated by a coconut tree below two giant nipples, reflecting strong sexual desire. 
Ten Years by a prisoner surnamed Yang, a 38-year-old schizophrenic. The painting shows four stages of Yang’s life – child, adult, prisoner, and old man –in dominant red and black, the latter representing depression, Yang said. 
Chrysanthemum Welcoming the Spring by a patient surnamed Ruan, 42, who suffers from bipolar disorder. The painting features five faces in a vase of blooming chrysanthemums that, according to Ruan, equate human personality to the simple elegance of flowers. 
Chickens by a patient surnamed Chen, 51, who is diagnosed with undifferentiated schizophrenia. Chen explained the one brown chicken standing among the others represents an independence and willingness to stick out from the crowd.