Visual articulations of trauma, a collective voice of lived experience, a starting point for open conversations.
Nobody wants to remember trauma. In that regard society is no different from the survivors themselves. We all want to live in a world that is safe, manageable, and predictable, and survivors remind us that this is not always the case. In order to understand trauma, we have to overcome our natural reluctance to confront that reality and cultivate the courage to listen to the testimonies of survivors.
- Bessel Van Der Kolk
Traumatised Selves explores visual articulations of the impact of trauma on mind, brain, and body. More than a collection of artworks, this exhibition brings together the voices of trauma survivors to occupy our sociocultural scene with narratives that do not shy away from the lived experience of trauma. This collective voice is a testimony not only of the reality and complexity of violence, abuse, and neglect, but also, and more importantly, it is a testimony of resilience and empowerment. We weave out of our vulnerability the strength to confront what society is reluctant to accept and we turn our insight into a stepping stone toward positive change.
Artists
Gabriella Cefalù
Paul Duncan
Laura E. Fischer
Roberta Galvin
Holly Gardner
Shima Gohrjinejad
Mark Haccius
Georgia Kitty Harris
Sarah Hollebon
Grace Jackson
Linka Lipski
M R Matthews
Simone Micieli
Esme Pears
Bekki Perriman
The exhibition is organised and curated by Laura E. Fischer, artist, mental health activist, and researcher. Traumatised Selves is the plural version that follows Laura’s series of solo exhibitions, The Traumatised Self, which placed trauma at the centre of the public discourse.
A special thank you is extended to Holly Gardner for her help.