Do you see me?

catherinelizabeth
Nov 16, 2024
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

I am feeling very moved by everyone who came to support the opening last week of our exhibition and screening of a film around the reintegration of people living with mental health challenges in Senegal...

All the paintings were created by patients hospitalised at the psychiatric clinic in Fann hospital. Together with these artists we worked hard to create a beautiful exhibition space in the garden of the clinic. We cut all the overgrowth which had sprung up from the rainy season. We repainted and repurposed the huts, previously used for psychological consultations with patients, now abandoned due to lack of funding. The artists proudly selected the paintings they wanted to exhibit and where to hang them.

These same artists participated in the creation of a film which was screened for the first time during the opening and which we hope will be seen by many. Entitled Xool Ma in Wolof (See me - Regardes moi) the name says it all in a society and world that stigmatises, devalues and rejects those who are different. Here we are doing our part together to reclaim people's humanity, to remind them of their infinite value and for their need, just as we all have, to be seen, accepted and loved.

Thank you to the artists. Thank you to the Luxembourg embassy for trusting and funding us. Thank you to Professor Aida Sylla at Fann hospital. Thank you to the great team Alassane Rane Seck, Armin Kane Plasticien and Piniang Niang whose dedication made this all happen!

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For more insights into our work and to explore opportunities for collaboration, where you can make a real difference, go to Art for Mental Health and Transform your Community.