In the May edition of Muses – the arts blog from BJPsych International – Dr Tim McInerny, Pictures Editor, BJPsych International introduces Mr X, the artist whose work is on the cover of the May 2022 issue.

As pictures editor, I selected Mr X’s art for the May cover because of the joyful creativity of his fantastical vehicle made from found and brought objects.

Mr X’s vehicles have multiple functions, being part car, boat and rocket. Mr X drives his beautiful flashing vehicles in public, bringing an immediate smile to the viewer. It is a reminder of the strength of the imagination and recollections of childhood memories.

Mr X is a patient at the Bethlem Royal Hospital in South London, UK, the oldest functioning psychiatric hospital in the world. His work has been exhibited at the Bethlem Gallery and in private and public galleries, https://bethlemgallery.com/artists/mr-x/. Mr X’s vehicles are an important part of his rehabilitation and self-confidence. He is proud to have his work on the cover of the journal.

Mobile Structure by Mr X. By Josip Lizatovic. Produced by Bethlem Gallery.

“Mr X has been making cardboard and mix media vehicles, at first in his room and now in Bethlem Gallery. 

These vehicles, repeatedly modified, document the endless process of adjustment that occurs as Mr X calculates and recalibrates his relationship to the institution. The vehicles are simultaneously a form of escape, a sanctuary, a filter, a second-skin – an alternative way of inhabiting the institution but also a reflection and a critique of its spaces and rules. These vehicles have a specific use-value for Mr X.” 

Mr X on his work:

Survival in any institution requires a series of recalibrations, moments when you conform and others when you resist. Making these vehicles is a response to the question: “How do I make this space adapt to me when I am constantly being asked to adapt to it?”

Welcome to Muses – the arts blog from BJPsych International. Launched in March 2022, this new blog aims to highlight international art and artists, particularly from low-and-middle-income countries, with a focus on mental health. We welcome submissions for consideration, such as, comments on artwork, visual arts, literature, drama, films, podcasts, and videos. Do have a look at the instructions for blog authors for details on how to submit.

General enquiries about the blog: BJPInternational@rcpsych.ac.uk