When words are not enough: Expressing Epilepsy through Art

There’s a moment that happens in conversations about living with epilepsy. Someone asks, “what’s it really like?” And the person living with it struggles to explain.

How do you describe the uncertainty? The impact on relationships? The ripple effects that touch everyone around you? How do you communicate an invisible experience in a way that others can truly understand?

Many people living with epilepsy feel profoundly alone in their experience. Discussions surrounding the condition are often centered on clinical characterization and treatment management. What gets lost or overlooked is the human realities underneath – the resilience, the adaptability, and strength of people living with epilepsy every day. Stigma persists and the silence deepens, meaning millions of people around the world continue to struggle in isolation.

Expressing Epilepsy, a global awareness initiative by UCB, was created to bring these perspectives and experiences to the forefront. As part of this, three remarkable artists have partnered with UCB to express their truth through their art, transforming personal experience into universal human stories.

As Global Patient Engagement and Advocacy Lead at UCB, I believe understanding epilepsy begins by listening to the people who live with it every day. Expressing Epilepsy uses the power of art to bring forward experiences that are often unseen, helping spark empathy, challenge stigma and create space for more open conversations.

Three artists. Three lived experiences. Told through art

The initiative launches at the European Epilepsy Congress (EEC) 2026 in Athens with an exhibition featuring original artworks by three artists living with epilepsy: Noëmi Manser ( Switzerland, living in France), Stephanie Gowdy (United States) and Anastasia Egonyan (Ukraine, living in the UK).

Through painting, textiles, photography, sketches and mixed media, the artists explore themes including identity, resilience, uncertainty and the emotions that shape life with epilepsy. Together, their work invites audiences to see epilepsy through a different lens – through the voices and perspectives of those who experience it.

Connecting Brains, Connecting Hearts| Noëmi Manser, Artist 

Noëmi paints with two hands simultaneously – a technique born from her lived experience with epilepsy. By engaging both brain hemispheres to work in collaboration, she has created a method that brings her inner peace. Her work demonstrates that creativity isn't diminished by neurological conditions; it can be transformed by them. 

"Through expressive visual storytelling, my work creates space for complex emotions and lived experiences that can often be difficult to articulate in words."

A Mountain of Your Own | Stephanie Gowdy, Artist

Acrylic on canvas

Stephanie's work reveals a truth often overlooked: epilepsy doesn't just affect the person diagnosed. It ripples outward, impacting loved ones, families, and entire support systems. As a visually impaired artist living with epilepsy, her practice proves that lived experience, however complex or challenging, can be transformed into powerful, empowering creative expression. 

"Epilepsy has been part of my life for many years, and its impact reaches far beyond the person living with the condition. Art has become a powerful way for me to reflect on both my own experiences, and the ripple effects epilepsy has had on my family. By sharing these pieces, I hope to offer others a glimpse into those experiences, spark conversation, and help build greater understanding of life with epilepsy."

I Cried of Fear and Pain | Anastasia Egonyan, Artist

Textile piece

Anastasia's work explores fragility, resilience, and narratives often overlooked by society. Her work invites viewers to recognize that invisible conditions shape identity in profound ways, and that these experiences deserve to be seen and understood. 

"Although epilepsy has never appeared directly in my artwork, it has profoundly shaped my life and influenced the path I have taken. Art has given me a way to reflect on experiences that can be difficult to put into words and share a personal perspective on living with epilepsy. Through my work, I hope to encourage greater understanding of the condition and its impact."  

Why this moment matters

Epilepsy remains widely misunderstood and highly stigmatized. Through personal perspectives expressed in art, Expressing Epilepsy aims to foster deeper understanding and more meaningful conversations about life with the condition.

Bringing Expressing Epilepsy to you

Healthcare conversations have historically been shaped by institutions and professionals. While their expertise is vital, something critical has been missing: the voices of the people actually living with these conditions.

Every artwork that’s created by these artists tells a unique story of resilience, uncertainty, identity and hope.

Explore the virtual exhibition to discover these perspectives, hear directly from the artists and learn more about how Expressing Epilepsy is creating space for people around the world to share their experiences through art.

“My wish and hope is that people can feel what I feel when I paint, that it’s so beautiful and liberating as it helps me self-regulate. It gives me control, especially having lived with epilepsy, which is an important part for me – to feel in control.” – Noëmi Manser, Artist.

Explore the Expressing Epilepsy virtual exhibition here: www.expressingepilepsy.com