Kaleidoscope Cats (c. 1930s)

Kaleidoscope Cats III (c.1930) source: Bethlem Museum of the Mind

Kaleidoscope Cats IV (c.1930) source: Bethlem Museum of the Mind

It was speculated that the change in style was a sign of Wain's declining mental state but I believe he just felt more comfortable exploring his artistic range whilst in medical care. Wain drew inspiration from the peaceful countryside at Napsbury, experimenting with an abstract style with cats as his muse, of course.

Perhaps without the financial pressures and deadlines, Wain created freely for pleasure. I believe this collection of works titled, Kaleidoscope Cats reflects joy, not the supposed symptoms of schizophrenia. This focus reduces his late works to an illness he may or may not have had. Wain's works were an expression of his personality but his emotional struggles were only one part of who he was. 

Despite the chaos, theres a certain order and coherance among the vivid colours and fractals. I adore this collection, particularly pieces III and IV. They're mesmorising to look at, it's easy to get lost in each carefully designed shape. Looking closely, Wain's cat is ever present in Kaleidoscope Cats IV. 

Were his late works a product of schizophrenia? Could it have been dementia or some other mental affliction? We'll likely never know and I don't think it matters. Writers and psychologists throughout the years have made claims that Louis Wain was psychotic and his works were the frantic scribbles of a man losing his mind. Whether this is true or not, we know that Wain had a hard life and made some of the most beautiful works of art I have ever seen. 

Louis Wain died at Napsbury on 4 July 1939.