THE BETHLEM GALLERY - Portraits; Patients and Psychiatrists by Gemma Anderson
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
On show in the Bethlem Gallery throughout May will be a series of portraits of psychiatric patients and their doctors. The exhibition forms the culmination of a Welcome Trust Arts Award winning collaboration between artist Gemma Anderson and Forensic Psychiatrist Tim McInerny*.
The drawings reveal an intimate visual language transforming the body into a container for narrative and identity. This process aims to move away from traditional written or verbal clinical encounters between patient and doctor towards building an image of the individual that is formed by what they chose to disclose to the artist.
These beautifully executed prints demonstrate Gemma's unique style of portraiture that she has been developing since studying Printmaking at the Royal College of Art. Her distinctive life-size etchings are all drawn directly onto the plate from the subject and then taken to museums and collections to draw the components that build the final symbolic image. It is rare to see etchings on this scale, and rarer still to find etchings drawn directly onto copper from life. Whether drawing patient or doctor she brings to life their interests, experiences and thoughts to create a sensitive archeological investigation into her subject.
"'These portraits of patients and their psychiatrists relate to the story of mental disorder and its historical representation. The images are a visual metaphor for the therapeutic relationships that exist between doctors and patients in mental health settings' " Dr Tim McInerny
The exhibition will be touring to three London venues including the Freud Museum and the Globe Theatre later in the year (see information below). Each Exhibition is accompanied by a full colour publication and a public talk.
Opening Event: 19th May, 3 - 6pm
Exhibition continues: 20th May – 18th June
Opening times: Wed, Thurs, Friday, 11am – 6pm
(including Saturday 5th June, 11am - 6pm)
Address: The Bethlem Gallery, Bethlem Royal Hospital,
Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3BX
Travel: Nearest British Rail: Eden Park / East Croydon
Contact: Beth Elliott, Gallery Co-ordinator, 020 3228 4835