A Picture of Health: Women Photographers from the Hyman Collection at Arnolfini, Bristol

14 November 2020 - 1 July 2021

Overview

A Picture of Health, a group exhibition of contemporary women photographers from The Hyman Collection who have responded to subjects of health and wellbeing. Featuring autobiographical perspectives to social commentaries on the wider society, A Picture of Health is a timely exhibition as those throughout the world are united by the effects of the current global pandemic.

The exhibition, which runs from 14 November to 21 February 2021, and its accompanying programme have been co-curated by the Arnolfini and the Hyman Collection as well as Creative Shift and Fresh Arts, Bristol's leading organisations, providing creative wellbeing activities, to adults who are experiencing or are vulnerable to, isolation and mental health challenges.

A Picture of Health aims to de-stigmatise subjects around mental health and create an environment in which people can have open conversations about their wellbeing, whilst including the voices of local people with lived experiences of mental health.

The exhibition includes work by Heather Agyepong, Sonia Boyce, Eliza Hatch, Susan Hiller, Rose Finn-Kelcey, Anna Fox, Rosy Martin, Polly Penrose, Jo Spence, and Paloma Tendero, exploring a range of thematic concerns such as:

The Hidden Self: Responses to hidden disabilities, looking at the difference between what is seen on the outside compared with what we are experiencing on the inside.

Trauma: Looking at the physical and psychological effects of trauma, be it transgenerational or ongoing.

Environment: Artists responding to how the environment (the people and places we live in) affect our health and wellbeing.

Care: The important dynamics between carer and cared for.

Running alongside A Picture of Health will be an artist's film programme documenting a range of experiences of wellness, recovery, and ageing.

Arnolfini will work with organisations to offer access to a range of support resources pertinent to issues addressed in the exhibitions and as part of the wider health and wellbeing programme.

Admission to the exhibitions is free and bookable in advance at www.arnolfini.org.uk and via socials @ArnolfiniArts.