Artist turns bipolar disorder experience into art, children’s book

The exhibition opening and book launch will be held on August 22 at Impr°v Art Gallery.

Pop surrealist artist and mental-health advocate Sigwada Knicolai is bringing conversations about bipolar disorder into the gallery through paintings, sculptures and a children’s book designed to help families understand changing moods and behavior.

Knicolai will open her third solo exhibition on August 22 at Impr°v Art Gallery in Quezon City, alongside the launch of her children’s book, Nikolai’s Ever-Changing Sky.

The exhibition features 15 paintings and three sculptures that revisit themes from Knicolai’s earlier works, this time offering a clearer look at how she experiences and manages bipolar disorder.

Central to the show is her signature Wooden Astronaut, a character who wanders, hesitates, gets distracted but continues moving forward.

The character Nikolai also appears in the book, wearing a wooden helmet while navigating changing inner worlds. Her different “Moods” are represented by Rosie, a rag doll bursting with energy; Mr. Grey, a masked beluga weighed down by sadness; and Ambrosia, a jack-in-the-box consumed by anxious “what ifs.”

Through these characters, the project hopes to give children and caregivers a gentler way of talking about shifts in mood, energy and behavior.

Nikolai’s Ever-Changing Sky features art and story by Knicolai, with text by Hazel Pascua. The book explores how support can include family care, professional guidance, treatment, healthy routines and patience.

“Art became my safe space after I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder,” Knicolai said. “Through this exhibition and book, I hope to extend that space to others, especially children and families who may be trying to understand changes in mood, behavior, and mental health.”

“A diagnosis can be part of someone’s life, but it should never become the limit of who they are or who they can become,” she added.

The opening will also feature a mental-health talk by Maria Emichelle Noscal, program manager of the Philippine Mental Health Association’s Clinical Intervention Services Department, focusing on bipolar disorder and practical ways to promote mental well-being.

“Clear and compassionate mental-health education can help families begin difficult conversations without fear or judgment,” Noscal said.

Fifty copies of the children’s book will also be donated to the Philippine Mental Health Association to support its awareness and advocacy programs.

The exhibition opening and book launch will be held at 4 p.m. on August 22 at Impr°v Art Gallery, Katinko Building, 708 New York Avenue corner EDSA, Quezon City.

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