Illness in painting: Its individual and social effects

The purpose of this research is to investigate how illnesses experienced at the societal (epidemic) or individual levels, from past to present, have positively or negatively affected the mental and physical states of artists, and particularly their works. Qualitative research methods and a case study were utilized in the research. Qualitative research is a widely used method for examining human social behavior. The healing effect of painting is a practical method for overcoming obstacles in life. This method has also given rise to a new theoretical and practical field called art therapy. Therefore, it has begun to be used to treat certain psychological illnesses. The study initially examined the works of painters with a history of illness throughout art history and how epidemics and certain psychological illnesses were incorporated into painting. Furthermore, it explored how some Turkish painters with a history of illness reflected their illnesses in their works. It also attempted to determine how their illnesses influenced their paintings, as well as the impact of painting on their illnesses. The research examined how the painters involved in the study incorporated their illnesses into their art. The advantages and disadvantages of art were evaluated and explained. The healing effect of art was emphasized by identifying changes in the painters' works as a result of their illnesses. In this context, the study contributes to the literature by examining the impact of illness on art.