My name is Raúl Menjibar, and I want to tell you how Chomano was born.

Chomano was born in a mental health clinic where I stayed for 35 days.

During my stay, I discovered that the only creative option available for patients who wanted to draw were printed mandalas and basic pencils — which often ended up forgotten in the therapy room. That’s when I decided to start drawing different things.

My first attempts were strange and confusing sketches. The effects of the medication didn’t allow me to express what I truly wanted.

But even then, the illustrations already had meaning.

What was I trying to achieve? To give shape to my emotions in a nonverbal way, to relieve stress and anxiety, and to focus my attention on the creative process.