Andrea Tyrimos

Bipolar Picasso is a series of immersive art installations, featuring intimate paintings and audio recordings of people who have experience with mental health issues. This body of work is fuelled by personal experience; in addition to working with adults in crisis, the artist has several people close to her with mental health issues, who feel they are unable to be open for fear of being judged by society.

She pushes the boundaries of portraiture, uniquely combining both visual and audio elements, in an attempt to give this invisible illness not only visibility, but also presence. The visitor is confronted with intimate, illuminated oil paintings of both celebrities and members of the public. Alongside each portrait sits an accompanying audio piece, revealing the spoken words and innermost thoughts of the sitter. The visitor became fully immersed in a sensory exploration of the mind.

The show received critical acclaim, resulting in the artist being featured in publications such as The Guardian and Ability Magazine. She was also interviewed live on BBC World News, alongside her installations.

Rendered in washed out colours, minimalist detail to hair and clothing bringing out their vulnerability through their eyes. I’ve always felt that mental illness is something you wear on your face. Tyrimos has captured that.The Guardian

A portrait in paint and sound is highlighting homelessness. Tyrimos, who studied at Central St Martins, said the idea was fuelled by personal experience.Evening Standard

Talented painter Tyrimos has created portraits of people who all suffer from mental illness. Only the faces are in colour so you can don headphones and listen to their stories as you look them in the eyes. Powerful works.Londonist

Andrea’s portraits have lightness. Lightness of touch. Look at her work, listen to her talk, and you soon appreciate that she is a very humane being. Humour, warmth, accessibility and relevance. The art and the personBill Oddie

Her paintings excite me – this is an important project in the campaign to break down stigma and taboo surrounding mental illness.Alastair Campbell

The pieces are just so captivating, forcing you to gaze into the subject and the all so expressive dynamic Tyrimos has captured in each of the works in the show, truly bringing each piece to life.London Calling Blog

Prominent London artist Andrea Tyrimos highlights the intersection of art, multimedia and mental illness. As you read on, you will hopefully feel her personal connection and dedication to this project as it shines through the eyes of each piece.bility Magazine

Tyrimos succeeded in creating a thought provoking exhibition, showing this invisible illness through the eye of others in a visually compelling and inspiring show.Street Art Atlas

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