Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko has found a unique way to track his bipolar disorder by using colour to represent his emotions. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16, the now 28-year-old artist has created a system where each hour of his day is assigned a colour based on how he feels, with red representing depressive states and pastel blue symbolizing positivity.
Awuah-Darko, a visual learner, began using this system to track his mood swings, eventually transforming these records into abstract oil paintings. His solo exhibition, “How’s Your Day Going?” showcases his emotional journey through a series of vibrant artworks. The exhibition is currently on display at Ed Cross Fine Art in London.
His artistic process, which involves creating vertical stripes of colours on canvas, reflects the complex and often messy nature of human emotions. Awuah-Darko’s work also draws inspiration from Ghana’s cultural heritage, including the bold colours of kente cloth, and his own experiences as an immigrant navigating life in Europe.
Through his art, Awuah-Darko hopes to create a deeper understanding of mental health issues while showcasing the beauty of emotional expression.