Joan Vila Marco: Art as a way of living with schizophrenia.

For artist Joan Vila Marco, based in Olot, Spain, making art is an essential way to process and cope with schizophrenia. His work is not merely an aesthetic exercise—it is a therapeutic daily ritual.

From collages to paper cutouts, Joan has developed a vast and highly regarded body of work. Inspired by masters like Matisse, his studio practice provides focus, structure, and light.

Documented on World Mental Health Day 2026, this series is a small tribute to the therapeutic weight of the creative process, aiming to bring awareness to how making art provides clarity, stability, and peace amidst complex mental health challenges.

Joan’s bravery and dedication stand as an example, honouring all the unseen artists who turn to creation not for acclaim, but to find their way through the world.