Our Power: New Exhibition Explores Racism's Impact on Mental Health
The Mental Health Foundation is hosting a unique exhibition, 'Our Power', at Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) until 12 January 2025. This project aims to provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences with racism and its impact on mental health.
Our Power is part of the foundation's broader work on racism and mental health. It explores the harmful effects of racial microaggressions, which, though subtle, can cause significant distress. These experiences of discrimination and social exclusion contribute to psychological harm and increased vulnerability to mental illness.
The exhibition was developed with the help of five artists and a curator, each bringing their unique expertise. They used creative peer support workshops in various art forms, such as textiles, zines, haiku with drawing and painting, and installations, to address this issue. The artwork created in these workshops is currently on display at GoMA.
Racism is a mental health issue, causing trauma and contributing to the development and worsening of mental ill health. The 'Our Power' exhibition highlights this connection and provides a space for people to share their experiences. It is part of the Mental Health Foundation's commitment to raising awareness about the impact of racism on mental health.
