Residents at North London’s largest hostel for homelessness are creating an exhibition of art and photography this month at the Picturehouse in the heart of Crouch End, London N8.
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“At a time when homelessness is high on the agenda in not just North London but many major UK cities, the event is an opportunity to reflect on the issues faced by people at risk of homelessness”, comments Lucy Brotherston, YMCA North London Education, Training and Employment Co-ordinator and event organiser.
The exhibition, named Work in Progress, draws together two different perspectives and offers insight into the journeys and life experiences of current hostel residents. Artwork has been created by residents themselves, and this is to be displayed alongside photographs and video life stories of hostel residents told by local photographer, Dan Kendall. The resident art has been developed in therapeutic sessions at the hostel and provides an opportunity for residents to relax and express themselves whilst building friendships and a sense of community within the hostel.
Exhibition facilitator and hostel resident JP Desouza uses a quotation from Marcus Garvey, black activist, to express what the art and exhibition mean to the residents: “Without confidence you’re twice defeated in the race of life, but with it you’ve already won”. Desouza adds, “The exhibition and the sessions I’ve been running have helped myself and other residents realise that. The proof is in the art.”
Work in Progress will be a free event in Crouch End, with support from the Picturehouse and other local partners. There will be an opportunity for visitors who come along to the exhibition to buy the art as well as T-shirts and bags featuring iconic images from the collection. All funds raised will go towards renovating the residents’ social spaces in the hostel.
Friday April 26th and Saturday April 27th 2019
18:00 – 23:00
at Crouch End Picturehouse
