Furiously Mad: 300 Years of Legal Insanity.

"A fascinating insight into mental health, past and present."  - PHM.org.uk

Exhibition flyer taken from 'artsforhealthmmu.blogspot.uk'.

'Furiously Mad' an exhibition funded by the Heritage Lottery, has allowed Pool Arts, a group of artists from diverse backgrounds, to research and respond to the framework of law that surround mental health. Each member contributed their personal response to reveal an interactive timeline, ranging from historical legislative information to modern day care and treatment of the mentally ill.

I visited the People's History Museum for the first time today especially to catch a performance in relation to this exhibition and I was knocked for six at the overwhelming creativity and spirit bursting out of the hall. The work presented was incredibly diverse, everything  from drawings, printed posters, installation work, paintings, animation, performance and activities. Circling the room gave you invaluable insight into just how expansive the term 'mental health' is and how terrifying it can be living with conditions such as schizophrenia. But for me, it was the positives that were illustrated best. Of course a few of the installments were intended to shock, but in order to let the viewer to formulate a complete 'mental image' if you will, of previous and (sadly) current discrimination of people with mental health problems. It all stems from misunderstanding, even the people who suffer from such issues must learn to accept and overcome the fear of terminology, side-effects and hospital visits just like everyone else must eradicate barriers between themselves and fear of those with mental health issues.

I met Galen, a young man working a badge machine to let children, well actually mostly adults, personalise their own brightly coloured badges. Galen was admitted to the Priory Hospital in Darlington with various long term problems, he spent his time during hospitalisation drawing and encouraging other patients to express themselves artistically. This culminated in him initiating a art competition with treats and chocolate as rewards for everyone who part-took, he continued the same style of competition during the exhibition hours allowing everyone attending to decipher a colour-scheme and render and copy of his drawing. His work in particular held a statement; to help others even when you struggle to help yourself.

A lot of the artists were available to talk about their pieces, their experience and their reflection encompassing the topic. They were so open, even when it came to receiving feedback it seemed the comments left upon leaving were welcomed over donations for the fund. I have never met a more inspirational group of people, the show was an absolute success and I would urge everyone to visit.