Hana Madness
I just bought my
sketchbook and
drawing pen and
started to pour
everything in it. It
became a therapy
for me. I had no
choiceDOODLE ART
Hana Madness
Indonesia-based artist and mental
health activist Hana Madness didn’t
have an easy start in life. Living with
undiagnosed bipolar disorder, and
with little support from her family, she
struggled with self-harm and made
several suicide attempts.
Hana tells us that she turned to art at
school when everything just became
too much.
“I bought my sketchbook and drawing
pen and started to pour everything in
it. It became a therapy for me. I had no
choice,” she says.
Hana’s style is distinct. Her ‘doodles’
often feature a collection of cute-
looking monsters that reflect Hana’s
experience with mental illness. Many
of these, ‘Hypomania’ in particular,
capture the overwhelming, conflicting
emotions that come with bipolar
disorder – something that others with
bipolar have been able to relate to, and
find comfort in.
In this clear, eye-grabbing medium,
Hana is able to communicate the
subtle realities of her condition in an
accessible, non-threatening way.
For her, doodles allow her to
rationalise and order something
that can so often feel out of
control, and for the people who
share her experiences, this could
be the first time they see an
experience that can be so isolating
realised in a piece of art.
“Because of art, I’ve found my
peace,” she explains. “Because
of art I’m seen and appreciated
by people. Even though I’m
still struggling, I feel more in
tune with myself, mentally
and physically. I can follow my
rhythm, and no longer fight it.”
hanamadness.blogspot.com
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