Bipolar As Inspiration

Press Release

Press Release 

Cutter, a newly completed painting for the upcoming exhibtion

For Immediate Release 

Press Release

Bipolar As Inspiration

Artist uses his own mental illness as a theme for a solo art exhibition

Press Release

Press Release

Phoenix, Arizona - Friday, April 24, 2015 – When artist Kurt von Behrmann was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he decided to use it as a source of inspiration for a solo art exhibition. 

“Education myself about this illness revealed that many artists have had this affliction.  Unknowingly, I had expressed the classic symptoms in my paintings,” said von Behrmann.

Bipolar is a serious brain disorder marked by episodes of depression and mania.  Characterized by extremes in mood from uncontrollable “highs” to suicidal depressions, it is disruptive and sometimes fatal.  Approximately 5.5 million Americans suffer with this illness. 

Struggling with depression and drug side effects, von Behrmann submitted a proposal to the Shemer Art Center.   “I had something meaningful to say visually about mental illness, and I was hoping someone one would hear me. I wanted to be heard,” said von Behrmann.

Apparently, The Shemer Art Center was listening, and took him very seriously.
 
Scheduled for February 4th 2016  from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the center’s location at 5005 E. Camelback, Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018, (www.shemerartcenter.org), his solo Exhibition “Between Two Poles: A Bipolar Themed Exhibition,” will open with a reception.  

The event is free, open to the public and closes March 10th of 2016.

A graduate of The Cranbrook Academy of Art and the Art Academy of Cincinnati, von Behrmann works appear in both corporate and private collections.   He has launched a GoFundMe page   (http://www.gofundme.com/bipolarartpage)  for support.  “I have been working on a shoestring budget, but minus the string,” joked von Behrmann.

“I appreciate this opportunity very much.  Many coping with bipolar cannot communicate what they are experiencing. This could start that much needed conversation,” said von Bermann.
 
He continued, “This is not art as therapy.  I am creating contemporary art that describes the very depths of this unique human experience.”   Selected works can be seen at www.behrmannart.com .