By Yavora Petova

COUNTRY: Bulgaria

DISEASE: Crohn’s Disease

FORMAT: Drawing/Illustration

ARTIST’S SUMMARY

Figures included represent single and accompanied life experiences compared to the patient’s description.

PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Patient, 26 years old: “I wanted to become a dancer, but I gave up my dream when I was 13 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. My inner world was changing from a volcano of emotions to a black hole. I went through desperation, depression, stress, panic, strict diets and drastic change in my appearance, forced isolation and constant mimicry. Earlier I was living through my feelings, now through the mind.”

About Perspectives

‘Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me’ is an initiative that brings together more than 200 artists with patients in more than 40 countries. Together, they have created a series of paintings, sculptures, photos and other artistic expressions that vividly depict — and help others understand — the impact of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Inspired by patients’ stories, independent artists and students from a number of art universities created each piece to help more people better understand the burdens associated with some of these chronic and debilitating conditions. In addition to independent artists from all parts of the world, students from more than 15 universities coordinated by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Universitat Politecnica de Valencia) were able to add their “Perspectives.”

Select a thumbnail to see an International image and story.

More than 100 unique artistic expressions from ‘Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me’ debuted at the 9th Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) in Copenhagen, Denmark February 20, 2014, generously supported by AbbVie.

Select a thumbnail to see a Canadian image and story.