We created an exhibition as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2023 around the theme of 'revolution'
Patient Diagnosis:
6A05.0 - Attention deficit disorder
Through this piece the artist aims to raise awareness of the pervasive nature of bigotry and its impact on health and wellbeing. With two imposing spires of Westminster Cathedral flanking its composition symbolising the enduring role of institutions on our societal norms. Powerful bodies, including the mental health system, play a complicit role in upholding the existing social status quo, stigmatising those who deviate from the norm as 'immoral' or 'disordered.' The artist draws inspiration from lived-experiences of oppression with an intersectional awareness that others are endure their own unique challenges, such as:
Institutions and services may claim to have left their past of diagnosing ‘hysteria’, ‘drapetomania’ and ‘ego dystonic homosexuality’ behind but you do not have to dig deep to find discrimination and oppression are very much still commonplace in its practices and ideologies. The message embedded in this piece is clear: You cannot truly provide help if you also perpetuate hierarchy and oppression. A call to action for us to play our part in dismantling discriminatory systems, speaking out against injustice, and forging a world where all individuals can thrive and realise their full potential by having their rights upheld.
Please note: The diagnosis used does not necessarily reflect a psychiatric diagnosis received by the artist. These were included to reflect the current practice of labelling and how these relate to lived-experience.
CREATE • SHARE • LEARN • EMPOWER • TOGETHER
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