Self Harm as Art? What?!

[Dude111]

Why am I ranting?

I recently had a "friend" of mine show me photos of his self harm and claimed it was "art."

To put it nicely,I was very unhappy with him about this.

The very thought that people are promoting self harm by using it as artwork or using art as an excuse to self harm,sets off every single nerve I have.

I am very creative and an avid artist myself and I find what he did to be absolutely abhorrent and disgusting.

If this was something for therapy,I might have told him not to show it around so flippantly,to warn people of what was actually in the photo and not to take pride in the act of Self Harm and at least try to be humble about the artwork...but no,he did this because it was his amazing way of expressing how great being a masochist or an "emo" is.

I have written this to bring awareness as well as to go on a good rant.

What do you think about any of this guys?

Maybe im just too sensitive to see whats good in it?

(Dont worry dues,there will be no rants at replies or opposing opinions.)

[Face Up.]

If someone is using self harm as art/art therapy, they NEED regular therapy to figure out the root of why they find the need to hurt themselves in the name of "art." Self harm is something that so many people struggle with and it shouldn't be glorified. He doesn't seem to realize exactly how addictive self harm can really be and how detrimental in can be to the person engaging.

[Dude111]

Yes thats a good reply Dez!

[WhisperingSilence]

As someone who struggles with self harm and self harming behaviours themselves, I would never refer to it as art.
It sounds like your friend is perhaps struggling with something and is using self harm as way to cope, and is possibly showing people the injuries and self harm and calling it art as a way for asking for help.. you could suggest this website to your friend, talk to them and tell them you are worried about them and offer to speak to a teacher or a school counsellor about it with them.


I know some people when they have stopped self harming see their scars as a journey of where they were, and what they have overcome. and a reminder that they came out the other side.

It sounds like your friend needs help.

[Dude111]

Yes I agree... Im sorry your going thru that!