Aberdeen Artists Shine Light on Mental Health
IN OUR SPACES is the culmination of months of work by Kirsty Russel, Maria Muruaga, and Lauren McLaughlin.
This spring, Aberdeen’s Outer Spaces will host an exhibition that brings mental health into focus through collaboration and creativity. Titled IN OUR SPACES, the event is the culmination of months of work by three local artists—Kirsty Russel, Maria Muruaga, and Lauren McLaughlin—who have engaged with communities across the city to explore the theme of “In/Visible.”
The exhibition builds on a series of workshops where the artists and participants used creative expression to share their stories and reflect on mental health. From the emotional labour of caregiving to the tactile joy of working with clay, these sessions encouraged participants to connect and create in ways that made their experiences visible. The resulting works promise to offer visitors a deeply personal and thought-provoking experience.
Who will be exhibiting?
Among the highlights is Kirsty Russel’s intricate textile piece, stitched together using scraps left behind by workshop participants. Through embroidery, Russel captures the shared struggles and connections that emerged during the sessions. Similarly, Maria Muruaga’s collaborative sculptural work explores themes of renewal and recovery, using clay as both a playful medium and a therapeutic tool. Accompanying photographs document the process, offering a powerful glimpse into the social and creative journey behind the piece.
Lauren McLaughlin’s project focuses on the often-overlooked experiences of mothers navigating mental health challenges. Drawing on workshops with new and experienced mothers, her work combines creative writing, drawing, and performance to reflect on the emotional labour of caregiving and the lack of visible support systems.
Conversations about mental health
The exhibition is part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, which highlights the role of creativity in fostering resilience and supporting mental wellbeing. By aligning with the festival’s theme, IN OUR SPACES encourages conversations about the hidden aspects of mental health, making it a poignant and timely contribution.
Opening on 28 February at Outer Spaces on Shiprow, IN OUR SPACES offers a moving exploration of mental health through the lens of community creativity. Running until mid-March, it invites you to reflect on the power of art to connect, heal, and illuminate what often goes unseen.
