"Holding Space" curated by Hospital Rooms and presented at Hauser & Wirth, London. A number of artists were asked to create a bespoke pair of cushions and huge beds. The works were later auctioned as part of the annual Hospital Rooms auction to raise funds for the art and mental health charity. The exhibition a sensorial holding space facilitated visitors laying down, sitting and interacting with the artworks. My bed 'Holding us Up' was also featured of the cover of the British Journal of Psychology.
When I think of Holding Space, what comes to mind is being held aloft, above it all, above the din, above the hum drum. We are often supported in our endeavours and within the sphere of arts and mental health, Hospital Rooms has certainly done that over the last few years between covid and now. My bed design is literally hands holding you up, festooned with colour patterns inspired by my Caribbean heritage, as well as texts that have been culled from our Hospital Rooms Digital Art School workshops of which I'm a technical facilitator. I wanted to pay homage to all the wards, schools, individuals and service users who joined us over the years to participate and communally HOLD SPACE.
Photography courtesy the artist and Hospital Rooms. Photographer-Tim-Bowditch.