May possibly is Mental Well being Awareness Month, and there’s no healthier way of dealing with the complexities and challenges of mental illness than by way of art, whether or not painting, poetry, prose or overall performance.
In recognition of that energy, Fountain Residence Gallery—a not-for-profit gallery supported by the Fountain Residence, an organization operating for the previous 75 years to boost wellness, boost chance, and finish social and financial isolation for folks impacted by mental illness—will unveil “YELL!,” a new multi-sensory exhibit spotlighting the experiences of Fountain House’s artists and members.
Encouraged: The greatest outside art in NYC this summer time
Funded in portion by the Sozosei Foundation, the immersive outside installation consists of original paintings, initial-individual recitations of poetry and prose, video performances, written testimonials and a lot more. The artworks had been initial on show at Herald Square Plaza from May possibly 18 by way of May possibly 22, for the duration of which they had been projected onto the walls and ceilings of seven roofed modules (created to replicate tiny homes), with recordings of members’ voices and individual accounts played all through every single structure.
“As participants stroll by way of them, they encounter an immersive narrative of Fountain Residence members’ thoughts, feelings and experiences. Every module of the piece is topical, illustrating themes such as trauma, stigma, incarceration, psychosis, identity, addiction, suicide, medication, hospitalization, hope, dreams, recovery and freedom,” reads a press release from Fountain Residence. “The final module emphasizes neighborhood-primarily based recovery solutions and is staffed by a educated peer specialist who is accessible to answer queries and offer guests with sources.”
“The aim of this multimedia maze is to parallel the daunting journey by way of an unfriendly and obtuse mental wellness program,” the release continues. “YELL! demonstrates the strength and perseverance of Fountain Residence members and celebrates all that this neighborhood can achieve.”
The “YELL!” installation will subsequent be moved to Governors Island this summer time, where Fountain Residence will be an Organization in Residence. Verify out a handful of of the artworks on show beneath:
Fountain Residence Gallery | Artwork in the YELL! exhibit from Fountain Residence Gallery
Fountain Residence Gallery | Artwork in the YELL! exhibit from Fountain Residence Gallery
Fountain Residence Gallery | Artwork in the YELL! exhibit from Fountain Residence Gallery