~Transformation~ Exhibition at Bethlem Museum of the Mind

The Bethlem Museum of the Mind (based at the oldest mental health hospital in the world) is currently holding their annual exhibition [and partially being shared with their sister site at the Maudsley] where the theme for this year is, TRANSFORMATION.

Excitingly [and nerve-rackingly] I have taken the opportunity to present my artwork for a 2^nd year in a row. I have been processing what it means to share my artwork, especially in an establishment like the Bethlem Museum.

Here's me standing by 2/3 offerings I am showing in the Exhibition ^-^

In my last blog post, regarding an exhibition I went to (again at the Bethlem Museum), I expressed how the message of that Exhibition spoke to me. My relationship with art and expression (as shared in blog post ‘Your First TISFA’) was met with external and internal criticism. As my art often did not look like how my then art teachers were trying to teach me. This contributed to a process being developed, where the focus of creating was defined by how well it would be externally validated. As you can imagine, this then becomes the bedrock for self-comparison, lowering sense of self-worth and becoming doubtful in your own expressions.

However, I soon learnt through developing and using TISFA (on myself and with others) that art is not about this. It is not about artists [i.e. anyone who makes art] being grouped into of what is “allowed” vs what is “shunned” when it comes to their expression. Instead, the art that you create, can be an instrument, a tool, a method that leads to not just to emotional regulation but also an emotional expression, that can be very personal to you. For me this means, art/your expression, doesn’t have to appear to “make sense” or even present itself as “clear” in order for the message and its meaning to mean. Art thus has the permission to be simultaneously oxymoronic and paradoxical, in that it can be free yet restricted, structured yet unstructured, all at once, at the same time.

As I walked through the exhibition, talking to other artists and visitors, I felt a deep honour to share a wall, and a room with so many brave souls who have felt the depths and swirls of their Emotions. These are people who choose to use their emotions and experiences as inspiration and philosophy for how they show up and express themselves in the world. It is inspiring, brave and rebellious to the stigma of mental health difficulties overall. By its existence, it can be a humbling reminder to those who forget that when we strip down labels and materials: we all feel similarly, we are often more similar than we are different, and Mental Health [including the struggles] is for EVERYONE.

Perusing through the various expressions. Every piece was different and capturing in terms of materials, space, shapes and colours used. More details about the artists and name of their piece are at the back of each creation (which was what I was snooping for here).

If you are wanting to stop by the Bethlem Museum, I hope you get to enjoy nestling into some of the rawest expressions, that have at times come from the most difficult and vulnerable places.

The exhibition is on until the 10^th January 2026!

 Should you visit and come across any of my pieces and wondered what was going through my mind as I was creating, please see descriptions below

Drawing 1: Gut Feeling

This drawing expresses what it means to remind myself of my indigenous ancestry, the lands where I originally came from, the gift of intuition that has been passed to me and also resonating with what I deeply yearn for – which is Peace personified in Nature, and a freedom to explore and nestle into it. It is a reminder to trust my intuition and listen to my Gut, as this brings be closer to Health and Prosperity.

Drawing 2: To God I Pray

This drawing expresses what it means to submit the fears and concerns to God. Remembering that when we hand over our concerns, fears and woes, God will grant us something in return and help transform our perspective and attitudes on our current situations. The person is kneeling “alone” by a coconut tree, located by the river on a sunny day. ‘God’ is therefore embodied, as being earth (tree and ground), water (the river), air [voice] and fire [sun] and as well as being part of the person. There is a basket in river that can be perceived twofold i.e. 1) an offering to God and 2) a gift from God = a prayer answered.

Drawing 3: You&Me=MoonTide

This reflects the intimacy and intensity of my connection with my partner. Understanding that they and I are two sides of the same coin, opposed in element yet crucially connected by this opposition. It reflects the undulations we might feel in our dynamic, and that we take turns in being both the sea and the moon. It also expresses a willingness to stay committed in the face of cloudy/ stormy times, especially when that calls us to experience each other at various depths and fullness. And is a reminder that essentially each other’s presence is there to be a supportive and loving companion to the other and not one of destruction, violence or harm. This is a transformative love, and it at times can feel overwhelming.

Thank you at Bethlem Royal Museum, for allowing me to take part. Thank you to those who came to visit the open day with me, and special thanks to Isobel, whose love for art, freedom and justice is felt through and witnessed in how you connect with people <3.

One Love, Always,

Racquel