Carina Edwards
Elucidate
The purpose of the Elucidate project was to demonstrate that often people who are diagnosed with psychiatric disorders are survivors of trauma and in many cases, people are further traumatised by the only treatment available to them via the psychiatric system. This system tends to pathologise human distress and oppress rather than nurture and heal. Many symptoms of disorders such as psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are understandable responses to trauma, oppression, social injustice and abuse. The project was collaborative and democratic in that there was a lived experience panel advising each step of the way. Also, the artists were consulted at every stage. I started by creating a name and branding with the panel and then doing an open call for artworks on this chosen subject. The response was incredible and I received over fifty submissions. I then formed a group with those who submitted artwork and we collectively decided how we would use these works. The decision was to have a virtual exhibition of the work using the Artsteps website and promote this digitally via a flyer. I created a gallery and curated the works. This has led to several more commissions for virtual exhibitions. The Elucidate exhibition has been viewed over a thousand times. Here is a link to the exhibition:
https://www.artsteps.com/view/604b3fedb0c77cf3f7cc8f46
Or visit:
– click ‘exhibitions’ and search ‘Elucidate’
