# Unsettlingly Vivid Imagery Carlie Simpkin Delves into the Mind of Mental Illness Through Art By Kamal Musharbash | Published 2011-06-10 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carlie-simpkin References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/Mental-illness-Curing/1592007) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/carliesimpkin) The Behance Network featured a series of fascinatingly abstract images dubbed as 'Mental Illness and Curing' by UK-based artist Carlie Simpkin. The collection screams with chaos, covered in [vivid colors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorama) and intense hand strokes. Mental illness is a dominant topic in many health-related aspects due to the public's continuous battle with the disease. Simpkin painted four images, all of which tell a different story with common bases. Whether it is emotions drowned in sorrow or the fear of being medically examined by professionals, mental illness is such a delicate, yet complex topic to visualize. Carlie Simpkin's talent crosses barriers due to her [use of color](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorscape-installation), vibrant imagery and metaphorical viewpoints that can be relative to many individuals, whether they are battling mental illness silently or publicly. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Abstract Mental Health Art:** Opportunity to create abstract art that represents different aspects of mental illness and its treatment. - **Colorful Mental Health Designs:** Opportunity to use vibrant colors and designs to convey the emotions and experiences associated with mental illness. - **Metaphorical Depictions of Mental Health:** Opportunity to use metaphors and symbolism to represent experiences and emotions related to mental illness and its treatment. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can use this trend to create new mental health-related designs and products showcasing this style. - **Healthcare:** Mental healthcare providers can incorporate this trend to provide alternative channels of therapy such as art therapy. - **Mental Health Advocacy:** Organizations and advocates can use this trend to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of its diagnosis and treatment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Medicine-Inspired Artful Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/something-for-the-pain.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Doodling Mental Health Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scribble-journey-app.md) - [AI Artist Insights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stream-of-consciousness.md) - [Mesmerizing Sculpture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesmerizing-sculpture.md) - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [Boundary-Pushing Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/briony-douglas-1.md) - [Visually Morphing Muses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glitchy-bitches.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md)