Art is Depressing

SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Euclid
Disruption Class: Vlam
Risk Class: Warning

Containment Procedures:
Instances of SCP-XXXX-A are to be stored in separate storage lockers at site 17 covered with a Polyknit Cloth of appropriate dimensions to obscure the entirety of each individual instance. Each SCP-XXXX-A instance is given a numerical designation. As of █/█/█, 12 SCP-XXXX-A instances have been contained. All cases of SCP-XXXX-B affected individuals are to be given class B amnestics before being reintroduced to the general public. All SCP-XXXX-C affected individuals are to be brought in for evaluation and are given class C amnestics and undergo 3 weeks of psychological evaluation at an off site location before potentially being reintroduced to society or terminated. All testing involving SCP-XXXX-A instances requires Level 3 Clearance or higher.

Description:
SCP-XXXX is both a series of anomalous ‘art‘ pieces, as well as the phenomenon that accompanies them and those who view them. SCP-XXXX-A refers to a collection of anomalous ‘art’ of various media numbered (1)-(12), though more are presumed to exist.

  • SCP-XXXX-1 Instances
    • SCP-XXXX-A(1) is a 1 m x 1 m white canvas covered with blood, grey matter, and skull fragments.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(2) is a dramatically warped watercolor painting of closeup on a blue human eye shedding a singular tear.
    • SCP-5913-A(3) is a long exposure photograph of the aurora borealis in Antarctica taken with the lens cap still on.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(4) is a wire sculpture consisting of a singular piece of copper wire twisted into the form of a stick figure with a bulk of the wire knotted into a ball that appears to be ‘dragged’ by the stick figure.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(5) is a 3’x3’x5’ white marble block with a solitary flat chisel embedded 10cm. in the center of one of the faces approximately 1.3 meters off the ground.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(6) is a hyperrealistic oil painting of a Caucasian male curled in the fetal position on the floor at the base of an easel that holds a blank canvas.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(7) is an abstract stained glass portrait of a Hispanic female in her late 20’s with a missing piece in the shape of a cartoon heart where her heart would be.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(8) is an anatomically accurate wood carving of a human forearm extended outward, hand open and fingers spread apart.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(9) is an impressionist charcoal drawing of a man and a horse.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(10) is an ink drawn single line contour portrait of a two faces (presumably the same subject), 3/4 profile, both looking in opposite directions.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(11) is a film reel consisting of 1,440 hand drawn, and inked, cells for a short one minute animated cartoon where in a small vase of water enters from the top of the screen and tumbles over itself spilling its contents, making several full rotations before shattering on the floor.
    • SCP-XXXX-A(12) is a lithograph of a lone oak tree in a field of tall grass with heavy over cast.

No anomalous properties are documented in regards to the physical makeup of the art pieces, only the effect it has on observers.

Looking at an instance of SCP-XXXX-A directly from any distance triggers its anomalous effect, drawing the observer closer until they stand roughly 2 meters from the piece where they will enter a quasi-catatonic state, thus turning the viewer into an instance of SCP XXXX-B or SCP XXXX-C respectively. Observation of SCP-XXXX-A instances through photographs or video recordings of the original does not trigger such effects, though the people photographing and recording have a high chance of becoming affected.

Attempts at preventing an exposed subject from viewing the SCP-XXXX-A instance from the 2 meter range has proven difficult but possible with the exposed individuals showing no signs of abnormal strength or resilience. Attempting to move the subject during the quasi-comatose state or in any way obstruct their view of the SCP-XXXX-A instance results in immediate hostility and ██████ until the instigator and or obstruction have been █████.

Observers that are not artistically inclined, that look at an instance of SCP-XXXX-A from no more than 2 meters away become transfixed on the art-piece entering a quasi-catatonic state. After several minutes of vacant gazing, subjects seemingly regain consciousness and are now an instance of SCP-XXXX-B. SCP-XXXX-B affected subjects will not make any commentary about the SCP-XXXX-A instance that was observed unless asked about it. When asked questions regarding the SCP-XXXX-A instance that was observed, SCP-XXXX-B affected subjects will begin to show signs of repressed emotions as they attempt to discuss the ‘art‘ piece, most often leading to an emotional shutdown response. Other than an aversion to discussing the ‘art’, subjects appear to be normal once they regain their composure.

Approximately 2 weeks after observing an SCP-XXXX-A instance, SCP-XXXX-B affected subjects begin showing early symptoms of clinical depression, becoming withdrawn and also beginning to show an aversion to art of all media. SCP-XXXX-B affected subjects continually grow more depressed removing all things they perceive as having intrinsic artistic value from their surroundings. SCP-XXXX-B affected subjects have not shown any signs of self harm or attempted suicide but also report feeling no emotions. Brain scans show that the chemical imbalance in the brain is on par with that of clinical depression with noticeably low levels of dopamine and serotonin. Administration of class B amnestics or higher have been proven to remove anomalous effects from affected subjects, thus neutralizing their SCP-XXXX-B status.

When an observer that is artistically inclined, looks at an instance of SCP-XXXX-A from any no more than 2 meteres away, the subject becomes transfixed on the ‘art’ piece entering a quasi-catatonic state. After several minutes of vacant gazing, subjects seemingly regain consciousness and are now an instance of SCP-XXXX-C. The SCP-XXXX-C affected subject will not make any commentary about the SCP-XXXX-A instance they observed unless asked about it. When asked questions regarding the SCP-XXXX-A instance they observed, SCP-XXXX-C affected subject will begin to show signs of repressed emotions as they attempt to discuss the ‘art’ piece, claiming that it is the most profound thing they’ve ever seen, often leading to an emotional shutdown response. They will then express an immediate desire to produce their own art claiming that they feel inspired. SCP-XXXX-C affected instances will not be able to produce any art for the next two to six weeks showing symptoms of writers block as well as mild sleep deprivation. This creative block frequently causes the subject to become vocally distraught and often hysterical. After approximately two to six weeks, SCP-XXXX-C affected subjects begin producing art that deviates from their usual artistic style. Characteristics include; a change of media, a change of subject matter focus, a change of color pallet, a change in composition, a change in depth of field, and other small changes in use of art fundamentals. SCP-XXXX-C affected subjects begin to show signs of clinical depression as their art style continues to change having them produce pieces that deviate more and more from their original style often times becoming more somber or melancholic. SCP-XXXX-C affected subjects claim that they only wish to create something that matches the quality of the SCP-XXXX-A instance they observed. As the SCP-XXXX-C affected subject grows more depressed they begin to isolate themselves with their work seeking as little to no human contact as possible, spending a majority of their time conceptualizing and sketching rough drafts as they plan their magnum opus. Approximately 6 to 8 months after initial viewing, the SCP-XXXX-C affected subject will have produced their own instance of SCP-XXXX-A. Upon completion and observation of the finished piece, the SCP-XXXX-C affected subject will write a haiku, and take their own life.

Class C amnestics are capable of removing anomalous effects from affected subjects, but this has proven to be effective only 38% of the time. 3 weeks of psychological evaluation are required to see if anomalous effects have been neutralized. If anomalous effects persist termination of SCP-XXXX-C instance is approved.

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Addendum XXXX-01: Acquisition Log
SCP-XXXX-A(1) was acquired on █-█-██ during the raid of an Are We Cool Yet? Gallery in ████ after intel had informed the Foundation of several PoI’s planned attendance. The “original art piece” was the final performance piece of anartist Johan Zorzzt at an AWCY? exhibition. At the exhibition Zorzzt read aloud a haiku while standing before his blank canvas, where there after he produced a revolver from his jacket and painted the canvas with his own grey matter. Fellow anartists applauded the work claiming “it was a breath of fresh air in a stale coffin” and the piece was brought to several other showings before the foundation seized it.

Addendum XXXX-01H: Zorzzt’s Haiku

No. You Are Not Cool.
Don’t Try to Lie to Yourselves,
You Never Will Be.