Differently various
About halfway round The Curve you’ll find a small sofa and some comfy bean bag chairs facing an old style telly. This is the Survivors’ Corner, where short videos show the unique perspectives and everyday activities of people living with brain injury. After watching for a while I gained a much greater understanding of and appreciation for the artists behind the pieces I had just seen in this exhibition intended to “challenge views on who gets to make and present artwork in institutions like the Barbican”.
The artwork ranges from basic pencil self portraits to elaborate sculptures that wouldn’t look out of place in a contemporary art gallery. I especially loved the ceramics display that looked like a coral reef was climbing up a wall. Everything on display, as well as the curation of the show, was made and co-produced by people living with acquired brain injury. When you know the backstory of an artist it’s impossible to disregard it when you look at their work, and I was fascinated that everything was made by people who I suspect I might struggle to have what would feel like a normal conversation with, because their speech may be slow or stuttered, or their movements erratic and distracting.
And that’s exactly why I’m so appreciative of exhibitions like this. They’re a welcome opportunity for me to challenge any stereotypes or preconceived notions that have collected in my head. And, of course, because they appeal to my art lover side while calling my attention to specific issues and the charities that support them.
In this case the charity is Headway East London, based in Hackney. It’s their 25th anniversary year and their “vision is for people living with brain injury to experience a world which is accessible to them, and where their contributions are valued and celebrated.” The contributing artists had the “vision to recreate the places, spaces and creativity of their community”, and fulfilling that vision involves free events throughout the run of the show, including making sessions (draw, stitch or clay), sensory experiences and music. Art can be a stealthy way to educate as well as entertain. Many of the sessions are ticketed due to limited space, so be quick to sign up!
Exhibits like this often put me in a different frame of mind than when I’m examining art created with commercial intentions. I spend more time reading the story of the work and get wrapped up thinking about the impact of the issues. But then something will catch my eye to make me forgot all that. Some catchy visual or interesting use of material, and my head clears and goes straight to that special place that art takes me to. That’s the beauty of art. It has the power to inspire, regardless of who made it or why.
Plan your visit
‘Differently various’ runs until 06 Aug.
FREE - but some of the public programme sessions are ticketed due to space limits
Visit barbican.org.uk and follow @barbicancentre on Instagram for more info about the venue.
Visit headwayeastlondon.org and follow @headwayeastlondon on Instagram for more info about the charity.
🖼️ Want more art? Visit the What’s On page to see a list of recommended shows, sorted by closing date. Don’t miss ‘em!