Thoughts from The Planning Group about the SMHAF theme ‘In/Visible’…
Although not every artwork within this years exhibition will respond to the theme, ‘In/Visible,’ it has sparked some deep reflection and conversations within The Planning Group. So, as we build up and prepare for the exhibition, we want to share what some of The Planning Group have to say about what this theme means to them...
(Please note some of the content might be upsetting or triggering if you feel you need support see our sources of support page for further help. You are never alone, your feelings are never invisible).
“This is a place where someone who feels as inconsequential as me can have an impact.
I have a superpower. I can turn invisible. No, that’s not quite right. I am invisible. No, that’s not it either. I am often invisible and other times much more visible than I’d like to be. I realise that doesn’t make much sense so I’ll try to explain. I’m Brown. In a pub it’s almost impossible to get served. I’m invisible. But when I’m sat down at a table minding my own business I’m suddenly very visible, especially to those who take issue with my skin colour.”
“I think that I sometimes feel a sense of partial visibility in society.
Visibility when it suits or threatens others, and a degree of caricature to go along with it. Then invisibility, perhaps. This is awkward when I need help or wish to be considered in a situation.
But it’s maybe not invisible, it’s more like being not real.
I think we all get to meet people and leave … wondering whether that person even acknowledges that we continue to exist as we leave their vision. A bit like toddlers who can believe that if they cover their eyes, they are invisible themselves…
I guess that I’m trying to move in the direction of being visible, and hopefully seeing others.
Despite the fact that being visible to an unsympathetic audience is just as bad or worse.
In honesty, I’ve spent a lot of my life in hiding, and this past year has been me jumping out.
Being visible, being around people and trying to connect, even performing.
It’s funny, because I don’t think that I strike anyone as someone who hides.
…I want to see and be seen. People matter to me, and perhaps arrogantly, I want to matter to them.”
““when first thinking about “invisible”, … I thought how damn frustrating it is when it comes to things like mental health, or …various other issues people can have that are not blatantly obvious to strangers or onlookers at first glance, it is so frustrating to be misjudged, to have “normal” expectations thrust upon you, a lack of patience or understanding of the individual and the infinite variety of specific sets of circumstances any one of us could be going through, to then feel effectively mistreated, … the hypocrisy and inconsistency of it.
Because I’ve witnessed people who are clearly physically struggling with mobility in some way, or the elderly, … but more often these groups seem to bring out an acknowledgement in others that they need to behave accordingly, in … a considered way... But mental health, survivors of horrific things, those with learning disabilities, mental disorders, personality diagnosis, tons of other things? It’s like just because we don’t walk about with huge labels literally attached to us in block caps for all to see, then apparently people are too often allowed to be ignorant and mean, without making the effort to engage their brain and be patient and considered.”
“The visible me stands in the crowd (fitting in) but also standing out in the same moment, adjusting my mood accordingly, catching someone’s stare.
The invisible me stands in the crowd, predicting, scripting, trying to get a connection with my environment or the atmosphere that I am around.
This can be a “sorry I can’t connect your call just now”. ”
“When I tell people about my mental health condition, I’m often met with assumptions.
They’ve already labelled me. My mental health condition, to some, is a quirk, not a serious issue that causes me anxiety almost every day.
it is not always visible; …
People don’t see the invisible; the intrusive thoughts, the rumination, the rituals I go through in my mind, the feelings of guilt and shame.”
These reflections and quotes are only a small snippet of the choir of voices you can see at this years exhibition. Where diverse voices and experiences will come together to shine a light on the invisible. Stay tuned as we bring this theme to life in October!