(Above) Selfharmony/Selfharmoney © Andy Brooker
Exhibition Preview: Personality Plus presents Emergence…….. “Discovering the creative self”, Together Gallery, 12 Old Street, London, January 25 - March 4 2010
Personality Plus, a user-led Community Interest Company established to engage with people interested in using creativity to challenge the stigma of personality disorders is holding an exhibition of work at the Together Gallery until March 2010.
One participating artist, Andy Brooker, has been involved with Personality Plus since their launch event at Tate in 2007. His own personality disorder has lead to periods of homelessness and alcoholism.
“I have always been a very creative person but the symptoms of my disorder have constantly overwhelmed and undermined my creative endeavours,” said Andy.
(Above) Selfharmony/Selfharmoney © Andy Brooker
“On the spiral down I lost so many precious years in absolute suicidal misery, fantasy and eulogy before I got admitted for treatment in 2005 at the ripe old age of 38 and-a-half.
“By that time I had all but died creatively, the oath I had sworn to perfectionism had won and my terror of mirrors prevented me from seeing how deathlike my reflection had become. The Henderson Hospital brought me to life.”
Andy began to get more involved with the organisation after he displayed his work in the inaugral show of 2007and was invited back to the Tate to speak about his life and work in 2008.
(Above) Selfharmony/Selfharmoney © Andy Brooker
“For someone like me who struggles to internalise positive things, experiences like these have had a life sustaining effect on the way I perceive my life and my work,” explained Andy.
“It has given me enough self-confidence and momentum to continue to refine my talents and learn more about myself and acquire new skills.
“The most worthwhile aspect of all has come through helping others benefit from the work we do especially in developing projects like the Arts and Social Network."
He added: “In the last few years we have seen a growth of professional interest in the treatment and care of people with Personality Disorder.”
Entry to the exhibition and related events is free, for further information contact us at pplus@hotmail.co.uk or go to www.personalityplus.org.uk
