REVIEW: ‘An Acquired Perspective II- Through Our Eyes’

Published at  www.culturehunter.org, April 2013.

Who: Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Service
What: Exhibition of Photography and Artworks
Where: Newcastle Art Space- 246 Parry Street, Hamilton East
When: April 5^th- 21^st

ON OPENING night, close to a hundred people passed through the Newcastle Community Arts Centre. Featured in the exhibition room was a selection of artworks in a variety of mediums. The occasion? An exhibition organised by Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Service.

Capitalising on the success of its photography exhibition in 2011, the great efforts of Headstart’s users was once again put on display. “We got a great response there,” said Andrew, support worker and exhibition curator, “so (towards the end of last year) it seemed a good idea to do it again.”

Making it happen was not especially taxing. “The hardest thing,” explained Andrew, “was finding a venue.” Having helped out with various activities before though, the Newcastle Community Art Centre seemed a good choice. “Size was a big factor too,” he continued, ‘(as it was just the size we needed)’.

Debra Todd, one of the contributors, began the evening with a sincere speech about her own story. Her reflection on her experiences was heartfelt, commenting that brain injury is like an “invisible disability.” Debra has a keen eye for using the camera, and her photos are a testament to that.

Another set of works featured a painting with a slightly Picasso-esque feel. The artist’s father later explained to me how it came to be. “We didn’t have a lot of money over Christmas,” he said, “so I just told him to do a painting, if he wanted to.” Not bad advice it seems, for the end result was quite unique.

It was quite fortunate that Liberal MP for Newcastle Tim Owen came along. Bringing with him his confident stance and honest face, his presence showed that the troubles of ABI are being taken seriously. He expressed appreciation for the night’s talent saying that ‘though I might appear “normal”, I would still be hard pressed to emulate the same things myself!’

What is most remarkable is the quality of the artworks. Though each contributor has his/ her own problems, the viewer would be hard pressed to imagine what they actually might be. And that is the value of this sort of thing, as it allows us to rise above physical limitations. As problematic as these barriers may be, there are still ways in which the mind can break free.

So once again, here is a brief snapshot of Headstart ABI’s latest public foray. If you have either the time or the inclination, be encouraged- please wander down and have a bit of a look-see for yourself!