Chris Mars

Artist statement;
The imagery that is my work stems from the very strong visual and emotional impact of growing up in a family marked by mental illness. My eldest brother "Bill" suffers from schizophrenia. Bill experienced his first pronounced episode at age 16, and was immediately institutionalized. The seemingly medieval hospital visuals etched into my consciousness, along with the trauma of my brother being repeatedly taken from us. The sights, sounds and smells I experienced as a small child visiting him there are prevalent throughout my work.

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