Loudest Whispers exhibition opens at St Pancras Hospital | News

On Friday 9 February 2024 the North London Mental Health Partnership hosted the launch of Loudest Whispers 2024.

The 14^th annual art exhibition, which is currently on display at St Pancras Hospital, addresses the historical challenges faced by the LGBT community over the centuries with 42 artists sharing diverse perspectives on the theme.

The launch event was a visual extravaganza that showcased creativity and diversity, inviting art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a captivating world of colours and expressions.

The evening was also an unforgettable celebration of LGBTQ+ stories through art.

 

More about the new exhibition

This year, Loudest Whispers attracted 42 artists who are a mix of professional and or self-taught outsider artists.

The exhibition aims to break down stigmas, promote understanding, and encourage conversations around mental well-being within the local community. It is a unique platform that not only highlights the vibrant and diverse artistic expressions within the community but also addresses the crucial intersection between art, mental health, and the LGBTQ+ experience.

Highlights this year include:

• Simon Crofts' expansive Snakes and Ladders board game, illustrating the two steps forward/two steps back nature of trans health issues.
• Leonie Abrahamson reflecting on warmth and compassion in the face of LGBT bereavement.
• Michael Bolstridge presenting a Warholesque panel featuring the gay hearing aid
• Peter Herbert offering a hologram merging masculine and feminine identity in a bouquet of flowers with perceptive eyes.
• Cliff Docherty exploring stress issues for staff dealing with trauma and Sue Kreitzman examining the loss of childhood.
• Ekaterina Fedorova and Victoria Zhun Yu, from The University of Westminster, pay homage with Elegy to Ode that uses seeds to reflecting on lessons learned The Lighthouse's groundbreaking work during the AIDS pandemic as we enter a new world.

Peter Herbert, Curator and Manager of The Arts Project, said:

“We’re very excited about continuing our collaboration with the University of Westminster entitled Facing the Public, that invites students to participate in gallery-based installations, research and short film-making opportunities. I am thrilled to be working with Professor Philippa Catterall on this project, supporting students with a range of creative LGBT-related opportunities.”

Loudest Whispers is hosted by North London Mental Health Partnership, with support from the Trust’s charitable foundation. Sales of the artworks go to the charitable foundation, which raises money for projects that benefit staff and service users. 

(Photo above: Left – Professor Pippa Catterall, Professor of History and Policy at University of Westminster. Right – Peter Herbert - Curator and Manager of The Arts Project).