‘A Different View’ at Novas Contemporary Urban Centre 13 June to 27 June 2008
I mentioned earlier that it takes a long time to get round the Design Show Liverpool at CUC but while you’re there do stop off at the 3rd floor galleries and take a look at this exhibition of art works by Learners from Liverpool Community College, Shorefields Art Group LALS, Broadoak Occupational Therapy, Roots and South Drive.
Its a good show and well presented. I like their updated version of Adrian Henri’s Entry of Christ into Liverpool and the model of the City Centre made from recycled materials is fun.
Firstly they have worked utilising recycled materials and found objects to create artworks suggested to them by the materials and their interests; Tin Men, Tea Lady and The Hulk are just three titles from this section.
Since Christmas the groups have worked with the theme of ‘What Liverpool means to me’ to produce an art exhibition in response to some of Liverpool’s most iconic symbols, landscapes and culture. Artworks include an ‘Emotional Map of Liverpool’ and illustrated writings of early memories. Much of this exhibition has recently returned from Stavanger in Norway which, like Liverpool, is also currently celebrating being European Capital of Culture.
The exhibition is a creative collaboration between Mental Health Service Users, Staff and Artists from Mersey Care NHS Trust and Liverpool Community College. It aims to engage the learners in creative activity which can aid with recovery. When we are engaged in something creative we instinctively know that it is doing us good. Increasingly, this ‘instinct’ is being confirmed for people with mental health issues, as research evidence links creative activity with recovering, meaningful lives.
