Most of us have probably heard Kurt Cobain’s music at some point in our lives, but did you know that he used to paint as well? That’s right, the legendary Nirvana frontman was a multi-dimensional artist, and The Seattle Art Fair decided to host an exhibition, dedicated to Kurt’s visual artwork. It included some of his never-before-seen paintings which add new dimensions to the artist’s already rich personality.
Organized by the United Talent Agency (UTA), the exhibition took place at Seattle Art Fair from August 3-6. Kurt’s paintings, depicting skeletal figures and dark iconography, strongly coincide with his music. In addition to Cobain’s paintings, Seattle Art Fair showcased a selection of his notebooks (that have been in storage since his death in 1994) and a selection of works by other rebel artists like Mike Kelley, Nate Lowman, Elizabeth Peyton and Raymond Pettibon.
Some hardcore Nirvana fans might also recognize one painting. Even though it’s untitled, the same artwork was used on the album cover for Incesticide. Despite huge interest, Kurt’s pieces weren’t available for purchase. “It’s too hard to put a price on them,” UTA representative Joshua Roth said. “They’re very special to the family.”
More info: seattleartfair.com (h/t: dazed)
I wonder why nobody ever took the time to make him go and get some serious help? One good look at his artwork alone and any psychiatrist would hear alarm bells going off all over the place. Obviously those around him were either uncaring, or too stoned to even care. So sad. :(
Sorry guys but If you know anything about depression, you know its a lonely road. You are right when you say inner demons. It's on the inside. something you face alone. To assume a lost fight with inner demons is caused by a lack of care from friends is just not right. Sometimes the demons just win, you can't hug it out of someone, and its a painfull proces to be on the sidelines for. But sometimes thats all there is, the sidelines. It's the same for a psychiatrist, you guys act like there is some kind of wonderdrug for depression. This just does not exist. You are right to blame inner demons, it's not fair to blaim anyone else if you ask me. especially if you don't have the ins and outs.
PART 2: .. the level of care loved ones had for that person is not only a generalised and superficial explanation, but also damaging and dangerous
PART 1: This is an emotive topic for sure, and everyone is going to have different opinions and perspectives. In my view, as someone who has lost a sibling to suicide, have had several other loved ones attempt suicide, and having worked for a charity for people bereaved by suicide, I believe it's very damaging to blame other people for a suicide. In most of the cases I'm personally familiar with, there were loved ones who cared and did what they could to help. In almost of the attempted suicide cases I'm aware of, the person said they didn't think there was anything anyone could do to prevent the attempt. Even though progress is being made in normalising mental illness, there is still stigma attached to suicide deaths that can be very isolating to those left behind. Statistically, those bereaved by suicide have a greater risk of suicidal ideation themselves (at least one my country.) To imply that these people are in any way to blame, or that a suicide is a reflection on...
I agree with you, Arnoud. My darkest days have been spent in secret and no one had a clue how bad it was for me because I shut everyone out. Fortunately for me, I got better but I can absolutely see how someone could slip through. Very sad, indeed, but isn't necessarily someone's fault.
You are so so right
sorry this was ment to be a reaction to the reactions I got from the other comment
There are many medications for depression, you just need to find the right one
Firstly people of this demeanor don't particularly want to be helped, then the wind changes direction and nobody cares, their psyche changes you think things are going in right direction then....its a complex condition that is different in everyone, it doesn't answer your question fully but the answer icould take a lifetime to understand for that ONE person. The people that surrounded probably thought they were helping but never thought he would you know........complex my friend.
John, If you ever had an opportunity to know someone with depression you would probably understand better that is isn't as simple as the way you are presenting it. Unfortunately each case is so vastly different and what is hard for most to understand is that this a disease that in may cases gets worse over time. There is no blame. So many turn to substance abuse as a way to escape the pain and of course it makes it worse, but those living with this disease can't see past the momentary relief. His death was a tragedy .
John did you know Kurt was in rehad a week before he took his life? he was in rehad cause his friends did an intervention.
William, I know clinical depression first hand. I've had it for years now and take medication as a result. And if you took the time to read my points you would know that I was not being critical of Cobain, but those around him who didn't take his problem as seriously as it warranted.
You're just making assumptions dude. #1You have no Idea what people did or did not do for him. #2 you assume he didn't go to a psychiatrist. #3 you assume a Psychiatrist would have helpt (definitly not always the case) #4 and worst of all you assume no one around him cared for him (wich is definitly not true, just find a random interview with krist Novocelic. its hardbreaking stuff)
Oh, for heaven's sake! The man committed suicide, as a result of his inner demons and heavy drug use. And you think I am making too many assumptions about someone who definitely needed some Real Help? Are you sure you aren't the one making the most assumptions?
Gee thanks DUDE!! 1)They obviously didn't do enough: fact. 2)If he did see one, and never was admitted to more help, that psychiatrist should have lost his license. 3) A half-way proficient psychiatrist would have gotten him more help than he could have given. And 4) If they did care, they didn't care enough toput their caring into action. And quit using that Kaliforication idiom on others,.....DUDE!!
I have a bi-polar disorder so I completely understand Kurt's artwork. Clear lines of serious depression here but what can you do? the only thing someone can do is try to comfort the sick person, nothing more. Like I said I am bi-polar and I recently broke up with my girlfriend because I didn't love myself but I'm glad I am able to break through the bubble now, clear my mind and try to love & fix myself. I'm so glad I caught it now before I seriously hurt myself. It's no fun when you have a disease like Kurt has or that I have it's no fun at all. May he R.I.P.
what. the. FUUUUUUUUUDGE.
I wonder why nobody ever took the time to make him go and get some serious help? One good look at his artwork alone and any psychiatrist would hear alarm bells going off all over the place. Obviously those around him were either uncaring, or too stoned to even care. So sad. :(
Sorry guys but If you know anything about depression, you know its a lonely road. You are right when you say inner demons. It's on the inside. something you face alone. To assume a lost fight with inner demons is caused by a lack of care from friends is just not right. Sometimes the demons just win, you can't hug it out of someone, and its a painfull proces to be on the sidelines for. But sometimes thats all there is, the sidelines. It's the same for a psychiatrist, you guys act like there is some kind of wonderdrug for depression. This just does not exist. You are right to blame inner demons, it's not fair to blaim anyone else if you ask me. especially if you don't have the ins and outs.
PART 2: .. the level of care loved ones had for that person is not only a generalised and superficial explanation, but also damaging and dangerous
PART 1: This is an emotive topic for sure, and everyone is going to have different opinions and perspectives. In my view, as someone who has lost a sibling to suicide, have had several other loved ones attempt suicide, and having worked for a charity for people bereaved by suicide, I believe it's very damaging to blame other people for a suicide. In most of the cases I'm personally familiar with, there were loved ones who cared and did what they could to help. In almost of the attempted suicide cases I'm aware of, the person said they didn't think there was anything anyone could do to prevent the attempt. Even though progress is being made in normalising mental illness, there is still stigma attached to suicide deaths that can be very isolating to those left behind. Statistically, those bereaved by suicide have a greater risk of suicidal ideation themselves (at least one my country.) To imply that these people are in any way to blame, or that a suicide is a reflection on...
I agree with you, Arnoud. My darkest days have been spent in secret and no one had a clue how bad it was for me because I shut everyone out. Fortunately for me, I got better but I can absolutely see how someone could slip through. Very sad, indeed, but isn't necessarily someone's fault.
You are so so right
sorry this was ment to be a reaction to the reactions I got from the other comment
There are many medications for depression, you just need to find the right one
Firstly people of this demeanor don't particularly want to be helped, then the wind changes direction and nobody cares, their psyche changes you think things are going in right direction then....its a complex condition that is different in everyone, it doesn't answer your question fully but the answer icould take a lifetime to understand for that ONE person. The people that surrounded probably thought they were helping but never thought he would you know........complex my friend.
John, If you ever had an opportunity to know someone with depression you would probably understand better that is isn't as simple as the way you are presenting it. Unfortunately each case is so vastly different and what is hard for most to understand is that this a disease that in may cases gets worse over time. There is no blame. So many turn to substance abuse as a way to escape the pain and of course it makes it worse, but those living with this disease can't see past the momentary relief. His death was a tragedy .
John did you know Kurt was in rehad a week before he took his life? he was in rehad cause his friends did an intervention.
William, I know clinical depression first hand. I've had it for years now and take medication as a result. And if you took the time to read my points you would know that I was not being critical of Cobain, but those around him who didn't take his problem as seriously as it warranted.
You're just making assumptions dude. #1You have no Idea what people did or did not do for him. #2 you assume he didn't go to a psychiatrist. #3 you assume a Psychiatrist would have helpt (definitly not always the case) #4 and worst of all you assume no one around him cared for him (wich is definitly not true, just find a random interview with krist Novocelic. its hardbreaking stuff)
Oh, for heaven's sake! The man committed suicide, as a result of his inner demons and heavy drug use. And you think I am making too many assumptions about someone who definitely needed some Real Help? Are you sure you aren't the one making the most assumptions?
Gee thanks DUDE!! 1)They obviously didn't do enough: fact. 2)If he did see one, and never was admitted to more help, that psychiatrist should have lost his license. 3) A half-way proficient psychiatrist would have gotten him more help than he could have given. And 4) If they did care, they didn't care enough toput their caring into action. And quit using that Kaliforication idiom on others,.....DUDE!!
I have a bi-polar disorder so I completely understand Kurt's artwork. Clear lines of serious depression here but what can you do? the only thing someone can do is try to comfort the sick person, nothing more. Like I said I am bi-polar and I recently broke up with my girlfriend because I didn't love myself but I'm glad I am able to break through the bubble now, clear my mind and try to love & fix myself. I'm so glad I caught it now before I seriously hurt myself. It's no fun when you have a disease like Kurt has or that I have it's no fun at all. May he R.I.P.
what. the. FUUUUUUUUUDGE.