Mental health theme for Thurso art exhibition – 'one of the most thoughtful and meaningful exhibitions ever organised by the Society'
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Yesterday, (Friday, September 8) over 50 people attended the opening of the Society of Caithness Artist’s (SCA) latest exhibition called “Change”.
The show is the second of its type to be held in the upstairs gallery space of the North Coast Visitor Centre (NCVC) in Thurso.
In his opening speech chair of the Society, Ian Pearson, thanked all the staff at NCVC for working with the group to ensure "a first-class art exhibition" was created for the benefit of the everyone in the community.
There are 19 artists exhibiting a total of 50 works which are all connected by the theme of "change in today’s society". Most of the work is for sale and the exhibition is open until January 13, 2024.
Ian explained the concept behind the purpose of the exhibition: “The Society of Caithness Artists was first approached by the organisers of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival (SMHAFF) (October 4-22 in Glasgow) about mounting an exhibition linking art and mental health.
"The Society was very happy to positively respond, and the results are proudly on display in this gallery. The original idea of a theme was to be 'Revolution' and by adapting this to the alternative theme of 'Change' demonstrates the inclusivity that creativity can provide."
Ian went on to say that some of the artists have added a few words to explain and expand on why their artwork is titled the way it is. "Some artists have been very honest in their openness and willingness to share their own experiences of life and how art has helped their well-being. This exhibition is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful exhibitions ever organised by the Society.”
Ian acknowledged the input to the exhibition by the SMHAFF as he introduced artist Shelagh Swanson, a SCA committee member, to explain more.
Shelagh said: "It’s often claimed that 'all art is a revolutionary act'. Richard Wagner, the famous composer of music, is credited with saying this back in 1849.
"From the point of view of good mental health, art is an excellent way of making us focus on the present, as opposed to dwelling on past disasters or the fear of a future apocalypse. In fact, any creative pursuit can achieve this positive state of mind.
"For many of those of us who live with mental ill-health, producing works of art will assist us in dealing with past trauma, or it will help to distract us from our depressive or psychotic state."
Additional notes on the show state: "The aspect of change has many views with a broad canvas. It has been seen as, climate change, gender change, financial change, a change in health both mental and physical and a change of status. The list is endless and as diverse as every one of us. This exhibition is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful exhibitions ever organised by the Society and visitors are encouraged to share their responses in the visitor comments book."
The SMHAFF organisers say they are delighted to be supported by SCA and wished the artists all the best for the exhibition's launch.
SMHAFF begins with its launch in Glasgow on Wednesday, October 4 and runs until Saturday, October 21. The Thurso exhibition will run until January 13, 2024 at the NCVC in the centre of Thurso.
