The Biological Psychiatry Cover Art Initiative: Addressing the Underrepresentation of Black People on the Journal Cover Through a Series of Commissioned Artworks

With support of the leadership of the Society of Biological Psychiatry, Biological Psychiatry launched a novel initiative to both highlight the shortfall in the representation of minoritized groups on journal covers in psychiatry and neuroscience and model the wonderful opportunities available to address this gap. The noted artist, Professor Imoh Nse Imeh was introduced to Dr. Krystal by Dr. Addy. Dr. Krystal, then, commissioned Professor Imeh to create six works of art that depicted a Black perspective on the interplay of the brain and human experience. From these remarkable artworks, six striking Biological Psychiatry journal covers were created for special issues of the Journal addressing the themes of psychosis, depression, psychological traumatization, dementia, addiction, and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. The artworks were influenced by preparatory discussions about the nature of the interplay of mental illness and addiction, brain, culture, and race. This panel will provide some background context of the process that led to the paintings, discuss each of the six artworks and consider who they express important issues in the convergence of neuroscience, mental illness, and race. Audience participation in this discussion will be welcomed.