Perspectives From Within features visual artworks that engage critically with mental health in the broadest sense. Many of the artworks are based on lived experience including depression, anxiety, addiction, and eating disorders. In this presentation curator Dick Averns will broach strategies behind the mounting of this project, share decisions informing the selection of works, and provide insight on histories and theories relating to art, health, ability and disability.

This exhibition is co-produced and guest juried by SITE c PROJECTS, the creative arm of OBAD (Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders). SITE c uses art as a tool to create dialogue around individual and community mental wellness. The exhibition is hosted by co-producer CARFAC Alberta, undertaking education, advocacy and innovation for visual artists. The Curator’s presentation will include images of art in the exhibition, contextual artworks and an opportunity for questions, answers and discussion.

Dick Averns is an artist, writer and curator whose practice recalibrates the commodification of space: probing how spaces are valued, exchanged, contested, or even fought over. His artworks have circulated internationally, he received the 2020 Calgary Mayor’s Award for Healing Through the Arts and has been deployed to the Middle East as an official war artist with Canadian Forces. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in adulthood, he has undertaken numerous art initiatives that engage with community wellness and is a founding board member of non-profit society Tourette OCD Alberta Network.

Perspectives From Within is on display until Dec 12, 2020 at:

CARFAC Alberta Project Space

10215 – 112 Street NW,

Edmonton, AB, T5K 1M7

Thurs – Sat, 11am – 3pm