Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and eating disorders may not sound like subjects for art, but a recent exhibit at the Reach gallery proved that art is a powerful medium for educating and talking about mental illness.
Hear and See: Poetry and Art for Mental Health featured the work of 14 poets and the same number of artists at the Abbotsford gallery from March to early May 2018. The exhibit was facilitated by the Communitas Supportive Care Society, which supports people who live with mental health challenges. Each of the artists and poets had some experience with mental health challenges, either personally or through someone close to them, or had some connection with Communitas.
Angelika Dawson, the communications coordinator for Communitas who spearheaded the exhibit, explained, “We wanted to start a conversation, to safely talk about mental illness. People who live with mental illnesses are just like anyone else.”
First, 14 writers expressed themselves using whatever form of poetry they chose, including rap, sonnet, haiku and free verse. Each work was then given to an artist, who interpreted it using such varied media as sculpture, painting, drawing or photography.
The Reach gallery granted permission to display the works in its community art space. Each of the poems was displayed alongside its accompanying work of art. Hundreds of people, including school groups, came to view the works in the seven weeks of the gallery display.
At a public reception and program on May 3, most of the poets were present to read their own works, and the artists talked about how they had interpreted the poems. It was the first time some of the artists and poets had met each other. Many in the audience said they were moved to hear such deep emotional sharing from the exhibitors, and the poets and artists in turn said they felt validated to have their works viewed and appreciated by the public.
“It was so interesting to hear the poets in their own voice, and the artists, too,” said Dawson, who added that the exhibit far exceeded her expectations. “A number of people said they were so grateful that we had given a voice to people with mental health issues.”
She said she would like to see mental illness lose some of its stigma, and believes that Christians have a role to play in helping do this. “In a church context, it’s important for us to have that conversation, so that we realize it’s an illness like anything else. It’s an opportunity for us to give care to one another.”
The exhibit will again be on display in December at the O’Connor Gallery at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Dawson said that a display focussing on mental health will be especially appropriate at that time of year, as many people experience increased depression and anxiety around the Christmas holidays.
More on mental health:
‘Acceptance without exception’
Suicide isn’t painless
Meeting the mental health needs of students
Resilience Road leads to mental health for women
From church to yoga studio
Adriel Brandt reads his poem “The Crow” at the May 3, 2018, “Art and Poetry for Mental Health” reception in Abbotsford. In the background is the photograph by Dale Klippenstein (sitting behind Brandt) accompanying the work. Communitas Supportive Care Society sponsored the art exhibit, focusing on mental health issues. (Photo by Amy Dueckman)
Poet Robert Martens shares his work at the Hear and See: Art and Poetry for Mental Health event in Abbotsford, B.C., on May 3, 2018. The exhibit, sponsored by the Communitas Supportive Care Society, gave voice to mental health issues. (Photo by Amy Dueckman)
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