A notable aspect of art that many artists relate to is its ability to serve as an alternative method of communication. It is a form of expression that does not require words, but offers connection through impressions and insight into personal experiences. For artist Bryan Charnley, art became a way for him to share his experiences as an individual with schizophrenia, or, as he put it, “a schizophrene”: a person who lives outside the normal world, isolated from a shared reality.

In March 1991, Charnley had an idea to complete a series of self-portrait paintings while simultaneously being off his antipsychotic medication. He was dedicated to sharing his experiences with schizophrenia and recognized that his medication was holding him back from portraying a true representation of his condition. This ambition is evident when he stated: “I’ve been painting about schizophrenia, but I’ve been doped-up all the time. How about I let people know what it’s really like? Take the gloves off. The naked truth.” Charnley’s transparency is noteworthy given that some people with his diagnosis fail to recognize that they actually have a mental health condition. In contrast, Charnley clearly acknowledged and communicated his desire to share his story. 

He began his 17 piece series of self-portraits on April 11, 1991. As he progressed with his work, his symptoms intensified, which is expressed in his paintings and his accompanying reflections for each piece. While each painting contains puzzling features, I find myself drawn to his 13th Self-Portrait, completed on June 13, 1991. To me, this piece is one of his more perplexing paintings, as the connection between its attributes and his experiences with schizophrenia is very cryptic. The addition of the mouths is understandable, as key symptoms of schizophrenia include disordered speech and hallucinations; however, the purpose of the empty egg shells initially stumped me the most. 

Charnley ensured his audience was not left to solely create their own impressions of his work. In his reflection for this painting, he explained: “The eggs have been emptied like a head stripped of its contents. It has nothing left in it, no more secrets, they went to satisfy somebody’s appetite, somebody that has power over me.” I feel that Charnley’s inclusion of empty eggshells is a unique way to portray isolation and loss of power. However, his accompanying description emphasises the intensity of his symptoms and provides clarity, making the eggshells more understandable. It is interesting that Charnley chose to limit the variety of colour and detail in this piece, as it encourages a simplistic view, yet, his reflections reveal his intense emotions and feelings. It is also compelling how he disclosed his suicidality and helplessness, but continued to complete his paintings while reducing his antipsychotic medication intake. 

Charnley’s exploration of his condition ultimately led to his own suicide. While his actions resulted in his death, his paintings and reflections offer unique insight into a mental health condition that is often misunderstood, helping to spread awareness and reduce the stigma around schizophrenia.

Contributing Writer: Ava Primiani

Feature Image Credit: Photo by Emanuel Pedro on Pexels

Body Image Credit: Self Portrait 13 by Bryan Charnley on Wikimedia Commons