Art exhibition by those with mental health issues opens in Cork

An exhibition of almost 200 works of art by artists who have experienced mental health difficulties has opened in Cork.

More than 100 artists from all over Cork who have experienced mental health issues have contributed one or more pieces to Cork Mental Health Foundation’s ‘2016 Reflecting Through Art’ exhibition in Cork International Airport. In total, there are 198 works with titles such as Shandon Bells, Daffy Duc, Children of Lir and The Phoenix.

“The popularity of the exhibition is growing, as is the promotion of it,” says Brendan McCarthy, development manager with Cork Mental Health Foundation, who believes the artists get a great lift when they see their work showcased. “It empowers them, to see their piece of work, to be able to stand by it and say ‘I have a mental health issue but I’m still able to produce art that’s great’.”