Lenny Gallo

These paintings are part of a series documenting key moments for me in 2012-13. In May of 2012, after struggling with a period of accelerating anxiety, I sought the help of medical professionals and medication options to help manage my symptoms. The medication caused adverse side effects that left me with a rare movement disorder known as Tardive Syndrome (Akathisia, Tourette-like movements, etc.) These oil on canvas paintings were created to express the helpless feelings associated with coming off psychiatric medication; provide caution and make viewers aware of the extreme pain associated with this condition. This series served as a therapeutic device.

 

I chose to work with my favorite medium, oil on canvas. The brush strokes were intentionally very linear and almost cartoon-like because of the limitations of my body at the time. I also chose to keep my compositions simple, because what was happening to me at that moment in time was incredibly complex and beyond my comprehension. I hope for those people who are still struggling in the acute phases of this disorder, or for anyone struggling with a rare or chronic condition, that you will find some shared experiences in this work.