Unusual Beauty

A Contemporary Print Collection Inspired by Mental Disorders

Unusual Beauty is a series of prints created by Kaijie Chen, an artist who draws inspiration from the fascinating and often misunderstood world of mental disorders. With this collection, Chen seeks to challenge traditional perceptions and shed light on the beauty that can be found in the unconventional.

The prints in Unusual Beauty are a result of Chen's exploration into the minds of individuals with mental disorders. By imagining what their brains might look like and how they perceive the world, Chen has created a series of contemporary and cheerful prints that capture the essence of these unique perspectives.

One of the key strengths of Unusual Beauty is its ability to evoke optimism in its viewers. Through vibrant colors and playful imagery, the prints aim to provide an optimistic vision of what is often passively seen. Chen's intention is to encourage the audience to embrace a more positive outlook and challenge preconceived notions about mental disorders.

The creation process for Unusual Beauty involved a combination of digital tools and artistic techniques. Chen initially designed the patterns using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Cinema 4D. The final compositions were then manipulated in Adobe Photoshop to achieve the desired effect.

Measuring 54 x 54 inches with a resolution of 300 dpi, the prints are intended to make a bold statement. Their large size and high-quality resolution ensure that every detail is captured, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the intricate designs.

Unusual Beauty is not only visually captivating but also backed by extensive research. Chen delved into a wide range of resources, including books, films, psychology courses, and personal communications with individuals affected by mental disorders. This thorough research allowed Chen to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and translate it into his artwork.

One of the main challenges faced during the creation of Unusual Beauty was capturing the perspective of individuals with mental disorders and translating it into an aesthetic form. Chen successfully navigated this challenge by exploring two main directions: the illusionary visions experienced by individuals with disorders such as OCD, and the playful representations of the brain and nerves.

Unusual Beauty serves as a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. Through his art, Kaijie Chen encourages viewers to embrace a more optimistic and inclusive perspective, challenging societal stigmas surrounding mental disorders.

Image Credits: Kaijie Chen

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Kaijie Chen, 2016

Awards and Accolades: Unusual Beauty was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category in 2017. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.