My older brother Mike, autistic, low functioning and nonverbal, lived at home until I was 10 years old. I posted a picture taken from that period yesterday and painted a reference portrait. My mother looked everywhere for a place that would take care of Michael. Nobody knew what was wrong with him back in the 1950s. Finally, she found Willowbrook, on Staten Island. This was a large institution (more than 6,000 patients), that would later be described as a snake pit (by Robert F. Kennedy) and the public expose of this institution would lead to a major revamping of how New York State managed its mentally ill.
Today’s watercolor experiment:
Many of my paintings have been experiments in exploring my relationship with Mike (Lighthouse, Another Mask, Abstract Mike and Me), just to name a few recent ones. This past week I painted an abstract portrait of Mike (Abstract Portrait) and one of me (Self Portrait).
After reading an introductory essay in the catalog for the 1996 exhibition, ‘Picasso and Portraiture: Representation and Transformation‘, I engaged my imagination during the process of painting. Instead of painting a likeness of a real face I tried to meld my own features with my brother’s (Portrait: Brothers).
Today’s portrait represents the beginning of Mike’s metamorphosis from an autistic child to an autistic adult. It shows his non-presence, which always seemed to be there, but also evidence of mistreatment. My family would visit Mike every week, at first. The nursing staff would call Mom in between to say that Mike had gotten a scratch, or a bruise, or a tooth knocked out. The perpetrator was always another patient according to the nurse.
Mike Transition
12″x9″ 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Block
For those of you interested in other stories of Willowbrook see these posts: 1) A Visit to Willowbrook; 2) Mike’s Building at Willowbrook; 3) Teetering at Willowbrook; 4) Recollections of Willowbrook; 5) Large Mental Institutions.
Jack thank you – and for the links. Every time you mention your brother’s history I feel anxious but at the same time I know these things are important to face. I will read these other pieces. This painting – the missing tooth, the eyes – is harrowing in the context of your commentary. Thank you.
Thank you, Liz. They are harrowing indeed. I don’t really know why I revisit them so much… especially since I don’t deal with Mike any more. He certainly has had an impact. I can only say that it is a kind of fascination in the sense that one knows something has happened but doesn’t quite know it or believe it. Maybe by painting my situation with Mike in so many configurations I am trying to tell myself that it really happened.
Thank you for commenting. I hope it is not too harrowing for you or others.
best,
Jack
Thank you Jack – it is important – I am glad you paint it. You remind me that art has a role and can make a difference, x
It does take a toll. I might have to take a little break.
I remember when the story of Willowbrook broke. How frightening to be a part of it. I’m not sure the improvement for “institutions” has been that vast either. (K)
At least there are no more mental institutions with 6k+ inmates. NY stepped up to the plate with the proliferation of group homes. But I agree that any institution with a large number of residents is doomed to fail. Thanks, K.
j
It is always horrible to hear about the abuse of the mentally-ill. I am so sorry to hear that your brother was forced to experience that. This painting is a beautiful tribute to him, and hopefully was a healing process for you as well.
Thank you, Claire.
j