image source, Richard Walsh
- author, keley poacher
- role, BBC News, Norfolk
A photographer hopes to use the exhibition to break down stigma and “widen the conversation about mental health”.
Richard Walsh, 45, picked up a camera for the first time while recuperating at the Matthew Project.
He will be exhibiting collaborative work at Bluey Bluey Gallery in Norwich in May, highlighting how art can be used as a form of therapy during recovery.
“When you go to an exhibition based on mental health, everything is on the walls there. The conversation is already open,” he said.
image source, Richard Walsh
When Mr. Walsh's sister died, he decided it was time for him to get better and joined The Matthew Project.
The project works with youth and adults to overcome drug, alcohol and mental health issues, and provides services to families affected by substance abuse.
He first picked up a camera after participating in a project and receiving support.
“I've never been interested in photography before. When you're in recovery, I think the biggest thing that causes you to go back to addiction is boredom,” he said.
Dealing with stigma
After buying a camera during lockdown, he volunteered to study photography at Norwich College of Art, where he has been collaborating with other students.
“Doing it was very liberating. It's hard to talk about your personal feelings… Collaborating with other artists creates a lot of stories. It's not just me… Other students use art as therapy, either for themselves or to help others.”
The exhibition will be held at Bluey Bluey from May 5th to May 8th.
“We're trying to start a conversation about mental health,” Walsh said.
“There's a lot of stigma around this issue, but if you go to any exhibition based on mental health, it's all on the walls. The conversation is already open.”
