A Visual Diary of My Parkinson Treatment

ITHIPOL THANGCHALOK

 

Concept

This artist’s book is a visual record of a treatment of Parkinson’s disease which I have been suffering since 2008. I integrated instruments that are used to treat the disease such as X-ray films, ancient Chinese needles for acupuncture, and butterfly wing needles for abdominal surface injections with a painting technique by applying oil color markers on the films. In this way, I couldn’t make any previous sketches as my expression was reacted immediately, releasing my mental condition at that time. With this method, I had to concentrate on the work, making me forget about the sickness and pain for a moment and feel tranquil inside. When the work was progressing smoothly and I saw the outcome, it brought pleasures to me, and my brain would release endorphins, which helped treat my Parkinson’s disease. I still hope art therapy will help get symptoms better.

Technique

Oil marker on X-ray film with acupuncture needles

Size

34.4 x 77 cm.

Year

2017