‘Differently Various’

The Barbican described the exhibition as ‘ Celebrating the community and creativity of people living with brain injury, this multifaceted exhibition and public programme asks: ‘who gets to be an artist?’’

Curated by brain injury charity Headway East London’s members, differently various creates an immersive space for sharing perspectives and open conversations about brain injury. Showcasing art as diverse as their community – created at their on-site studio, Submit to Love – visitors are invited to challenge views on who gets to make and present artwork in institutions like the Barbican.

As an artist working within the Neuro-Rehab Unit at University College Hospital (find out more) I was interested in attending this exhibition in the hope of further insight into what life is like after recovery.

Some highlights for me included; The ramp at the enterance of the show built by the artists, bringing forward questioning of the privilege of existing in a mainstream space without a ramp. The exhibition drew attention to the long road towards equity for disabled artists. The curation of the show, in particular ‘Breathing Space’, a part of the show which referenced a break in making by members, whilst taking a cigarette break. Despite missing the ‘meet the artists’ event, I spoke to artist Chris Miller, who shared with me a wealth of references which had set him on his adventure and helped him find community as a creative thinker, painter, and fellow ‘Outsider Art’ enthusiast.

I have since discovered how much of an impact Headway East has in people’s lives by looking through their website, for ease, I offer a link below for you to also explore…