Drawings that gave an escape win place in show
SKETCHES CRISTIANA WORKED ON IN HOSPITAL SELECTED BY ROYAL ACADEMY
A TEENAGE girl who had an eating disorder documented her time at hospital through drawings and has since had her art exhibited by the Royal Academy of Arts.
Middlesbrough-born Cristiana Borg was admitted to James Cook Hospital during one of her many visits to see her grandparents, Sheelagh and Bill, from her home in London.
The stress of lockdown, isolation and the sudden return to school was too much.
The 14-year-old started to restrict her eating before stopping entirely. In less than three months she had lost over three stone and despite many trips to the doctors and going to A&E twice, Cristiana’s weight was getting lower and lower.
Whilst back in the North-East, she seemed to be improving but she quickly became so ill she was close to collapsing and was admitted to hospital.
During her time in hospital, Cristiana used art as a way to occupy herself and her mind, she was given pens and paper and began to draw incredibly detailed images of the hospital.
The first was the view from the window beside her, then the ward corridor, and when she was able to venture off the ward, she drew the coffee shop and WHSmith.
Cristiana said: “Drawing was my only escape from the oppressive food regimes and medical checkups. It gave me a sense of purpose and success as people enjoyed them.
“The final two images show WHSmith and the cafe, happier spaces where I would be taken in my wheelchair to meet family and friends who helped me feel more connected to real life and were so important in supporting me in my recovery.”
Once Cristiana was able to return to her grandparents’ home in Normanby, she was still not yet out of the woods and needed the vital follow-up care from the Middlesbrough Eating Disorder Team and had unwavering support from her family.
Cristina’s grandad Bill took her out daily, exploring different places to eat to help prevent her feeling anxious.
After a difficult few months, Cristiana’s condition slowly steadied and she was able to return to London where, despite some ups and downs, she very slowly got back to ‘normal’ and returned to school where she showed her teachers the drawings she had done.
They were all impressed and they convinced Cristiana to enter the Royal Academy of Arts’ Young Artists’ Summer Show and she deservingly won a place.
Cristiana’s mum, professional opera singer, Suzannah Clarke, said: “To the family’s surprise and delight, she was chosen to exhibit from over 21,000 entries. I asked the RA and I believe they chose around 500 pieces, so she has done very well.
“When we were told she was a winner it really gave her a boost, just at the right time.
“Particular thanks must go to James Cook Hospital and the staff, as well as to the Middlesbrough Eating Disorder Team who were both exceptional in Cristiana’s care.”
Cristiana is continuing to make a slow recovery and she hopes that sharing her art will help other people who are going through something similar.
Her art can be viewed on the Royal Academy of Arts’ online Young Artists’ Summer Show exhibition.
The final two images show WHSmith and the cafe, happier spaces where I would meet family and friends.
Cristiana Borg