Story behind the art
Eating disorders, PTSD, depression, psychosis or bipolarity; psychological vulnerabilities and disorders, just like physical illnesses or limitations, occur in many degrees. Everyone has to deal with it in one way or another. Yet we prefer not to talk about our mental health. But why not?
Just like everyone else, people with a psychiatric illness or condition have their talents. Art library and gallery Beeldend Gesproken offers talented artists with a psychological background a stage, so that they can participate in society despite their vulnerability.
Beeldend Gesproken tries to shed light on the positive side of psychiatric vulnerabilities, to talk about it openly, to enter into a dialogue with art and thus to somewhat normalize the theme. In addition, they offer a safety net, within which the artists can work with a helping hand on an income, brand awareness and a network within the art world.
Ateliers en Bovenkamers, portraits of artists from Beeldend Gesproken and their work
In the ‘smallest gallery’ in the Passage, varying artists from outside exhibit. They therefore give a presentation to the artists of Beeldend Gesproken, so that they can also come into contact with other professional artists. The art gallery also organizes a meet & greet in combination with the exhibitions of their ‘own’ artists. This gives the artists the opportunity to come into contact with visitors and interested parties. Because of their psychological vulnerability, this is sometimes super exciting.
Back in time
More than 25 years ago, Beeldend Gesproken started out as a small art library where clients from the Sandpoort psychiatric institution made and rented out art. After the closure of this institution, the art library was placed under the wings of Mentrum for a while. And since 2013, Beeldend Gesproken has been an independent social enterprise. The team of the social enterprise largely consists of volunteers. A significant number of them also have or have had psychiatric problems. Because of their work at the art library/gallery, they are also supported by Beeldend Gesproken in their reintegration.
Art connects
Art is healing. It makes you happy and it offers comfort, but it also arouses sympathy. A number of artists from the collection of Beeldend Gesproken incorporate their experiences in the work. A good example of this is the exhibition ‘Design Against Trauma‘.
“I think the most important thing is that we empower our artists. And I also think it's great that people get so far from their own obstacles that they can make something that matters and is meaningful.” – Esther Vossen, director Beeldend Gesproken.
The art gallery has also started a number of social, cultural collaborations with local authorities. For example, the art library/gallery organizes a creative meeting every Thursday morning for the women from the Oranjehuis (stay home). For the women it is a relaxed outing and for the artists an opportunity to share their expertise and gain work experience. In addition, Beeldend Gesproken also provides creative sessions for the Mantelzorg and Dementia Foundation. With these collaborations, Beeldend Gesproken not only empowers ‘their’ artists, but they also help other vulnerable groups in society at the same time.
The Bluest Monday
Esther Vossen, the director of Beeldend Gesproken also believes it is important to make programs that are in line with what is going on in society. And involve the people involved in this as well. In the week of the connection, for example, the art gallery organized the ‘Beyond Comfort‘ project, in which young women – who have experienced sexually transgressive behaviour or violence – were able to depict their emotions in an artistic way during a workshop by designer Nienke Helder. And recently, to promote awareness for mental health, you could walk the art therapy walk ‘The Bluest Monday‘ in De Hallen Amsterdam.
Dreams for the future
The art world is tough and a lot of money is involved. At Beeldend Gesproken they are very lenient and accept it if someone drops out. This is quite a contrast. Vossen wants to stimulate the exchange between the artists of Beeldend Gesproken and the professional art field.
“In the sports world, top athletes sometimes train with amateurs for a day. That's great fun! My wish is that there will also be more exchange in the art world between professionals, semi-professionals and amateurs.” - Esther Vossen, director Beeldend Gesproken.
In any case, it is not due to the talent of the artists. We believe that the art of Beeldend Gesproken deserves a prominent place on everyone’s wall. Not only because by borrowing or buying a work you support the social mission of the art library, but also to inspire others with the story behind the art.
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