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Outlook: The reluctant jackaroo who turned bipolar disorder into art

Magazines & Reviews

Matt Ottley

13/06/2024 GMT

The reluctant jackaroo who turned bipolar disorder into art

BBC World Service - Outlook, The reluctant jackaroo who turned bipolar disorder into art

Matt Ottley on working in the Australian bush and art that makes us see life differently

After Matt Ottley had a terrifying encounter trying to catch a wild bull, he decided to pursue art and music and focus on creating work that helps us see life differently.

When Australian Matt Ottley was a child in Papua New Guinea he heard voices that weren't there. The macho culture of his family meant Matt never spoke about what was happening to him – boys were supposed to be 'tough'. He loved music from a young age, and saw colours when he heard sound. But his synaesthesia could also be a sign his mental health was worsening. And without anyone in his family to talk to about the mania and depression he could sometimes feel, he stayed silent. Until years later, while working on a remote cattle farm in Australia, Matt had a terrifying encounter with a wild bull that made him realise a different life was possible. Today Matt is a successful artist, composer and author whose latest project is called The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness. 

If you have been affected by this programme you can find support at Befrienders Worldwide: https://befrienders.org/

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: May Cameron

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Matt Ottley. Credit: Matt Ottley)

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