An exhibition drawing attention to mental health will open at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery on August 11.
The exhibition, Black Dog, Blue Butterflies, features the works of 24 artists from across the region and interstate that aim to breakdown stigmatisation of mental health by promoting dialogue around mental illness.
Spokesperson for Lifestyle and Amenity Councillor Denise Sims said the works were a timely reminder of the health problem affecting the lives of so many people today.
“Ten years ago the subject of mental health wasn’t in the spotlight but now it’s importance is emerging as one of national significance,” Cr Sims said
“The statistics around mental health show that more than 45 per cent of the population experience mental health issues at some stage of their lives in Australia.
“This exhibition’s title stems from the well-known euphemism ‘the black dog’ for one of the most common mental health issues, depression. While ‘butterflies’ refers to another very common affliction - anxiety.
Strathpine artist Joanne Braddy will have 16 of her works on display alongside works created by 23 other artists.
Ms Braddy who recently took out the Brian Burke Award at the 2018 Moreton Bay Art Awards with her sculptural work, describes her paintings as impacting, moving and healing.
“My paintings are an expression of my inner world. Through my art I’ve found the courage to break the silence,” Ms Braddy said.
“The works in this exhibition challenge the stereotypes of mental illness through their depictions of the broad range of emotions experienced.”
Black Dog, Blue Butterflies, at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery, will run from August 11 - November 10.
The gallery is located at Unit 7/199 Gympie Road, Strathpine.
For more information on the exhibition visit https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/pine-rivers-gallery/exhibitions/, phone 3480 6941 or email PineRivers.Gallery@moretonbay.qld.gov.au