Visitor's Comments
A visitor's book was available for comments through the art exhibition. Such honest, open and revealing comments are brilliant to receive and have been copied below.
‘What a thought provoking and fascinating exhibition that opens up understanding and knowledge and provides inspiration and creative and cathartic ways to confront and converse with an illness that is hidden from sight. Thank you.’
‘I’ve lost several years of my life to fibromyalgia. There are times when one who lives with an invisible illness longs for a visible illness, even a terminal one for the sheer fact that it is ‘accepted’ and ‘visible.’ More so is the stigma when one comes from a culture that is marginalised and that does not look at ‘pain’ as an illness. Difficult are the days when one has loads of energy and none after, where one loses their train of thought and it’s interpreted as stupidity rather than ‘fibro-fog.’ Most harsh is the feeling that one has children and should be ‘strong’ but lacks the strength.’
‘Love the pieces exhibited, particularly the mental health and HIV plates.’
‘All very interesting. Enjoyed all. Many thanks.’
‘This is such a thought provoking and inspiring exhibition. I found the pieces that highlight the hidden nature of some symptoms and conditions fascinating and very clever in the way that they get the message across. Ultimately the exhibition is so inspiring and helps you to empathise with the artists and feel proud (for want of a better word) of their determination and motivation to both accept their condition and achieve their aspirations. Thank you!’
‘I knew that any exhibition, with an involvement of Katie Hogben, would always be intelligent, thought provoking and creative. I wasn’t disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the photographic elements by Juliet Cheney Robson and Ashleigh Spice. For me, “Morning Pages” is very evocative and stands for all that this exhibition represents - Take the time and read everything here, as well as looking. I have already gained a little more insight and understanding. Thank you for sharing.’
‘What a thought provoking exhibition! It gives a much needed insight to the problems that come with these conditions. I particularly liked the short plays and the “Learning to love my disease” idea – It would be very interesting to see this brought to the stage. Thank you!’
‘An interesting but, above all, creative exhibition. Cheers Katie for assembling these pieces.’
‘Very interesting to see the various ways people can communicate when communication is so difficult for them.’
‘Katie – Another wonderful exhibition. More people need to see this, it is moving and inspirational.’
‘Wow, this is truly fantastic. As a man who had no idea about the affects or even at all about these illnesses, this exhibition proved to be a touching insight into a world I’m unknown to. ... Truly amazing – Thanks for doing this.’
‘Density of Thought and Scalding Spike remain my favourites. I just love the eclectic mix of styles throughout the exhibit, it gives such a broad overview of conditions and how people cope with them. It is such an inspiring experience, exploring the similarities and differences between disorders and the overlap. I say expand it and take it EVERYWHERE!’
‘I’ve lost several years of my life to fibromyalgia. There are times when one who lives with an invisible illness longs for a visible illness, even a terminal one for the sheer fact that it is ‘accepted’ and ‘visible.’ More so is the stigma when one comes from a culture that is marginalised and that does not look at ‘pain’ as an illness. Difficult are the days when one has loads of energy and none after, where one loses their train of thought and it’s interpreted as stupidity rather than ‘fibro-fog.’ Most harsh is the feeling that one has children and should be ‘strong’ but lacks the strength.’
‘Love the pieces exhibited, particularly the mental health and HIV plates.’
‘All very interesting. Enjoyed all. Many thanks.’
‘This is such a thought provoking and inspiring exhibition. I found the pieces that highlight the hidden nature of some symptoms and conditions fascinating and very clever in the way that they get the message across. Ultimately the exhibition is so inspiring and helps you to empathise with the artists and feel proud (for want of a better word) of their determination and motivation to both accept their condition and achieve their aspirations. Thank you!’
‘I knew that any exhibition, with an involvement of Katie Hogben, would always be intelligent, thought provoking and creative. I wasn’t disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the photographic elements by Juliet Cheney Robson and Ashleigh Spice. For me, “Morning Pages” is very evocative and stands for all that this exhibition represents - Take the time and read everything here, as well as looking. I have already gained a little more insight and understanding. Thank you for sharing.’
‘What a thought provoking exhibition! It gives a much needed insight to the problems that come with these conditions. I particularly liked the short plays and the “Learning to love my disease” idea – It would be very interesting to see this brought to the stage. Thank you!’
‘An interesting but, above all, creative exhibition. Cheers Katie for assembling these pieces.’
‘Very interesting to see the various ways people can communicate when communication is so difficult for them.’
‘Katie – Another wonderful exhibition. More people need to see this, it is moving and inspirational.’
‘Wow, this is truly fantastic. As a man who had no idea about the affects or even at all about these illnesses, this exhibition proved to be a touching insight into a world I’m unknown to. ... Truly amazing – Thanks for doing this.’
‘Density of Thought and Scalding Spike remain my favourites. I just love the eclectic mix of styles throughout the exhibit, it gives such a broad overview of conditions and how people cope with them. It is such an inspiring experience, exploring the similarities and differences between disorders and the overlap. I say expand it and take it EVERYWHERE!’