Making Sense

Conservation Centre

12 March - 15 May 2005

‘Making Sense’ is a collection of bold and vibrant artworks, created by people living with brain injury.

This inspirational exhibition is set to challenge common perceptions about brain injury - often called the ‘hidden disability’. The exhibition will attempt to raise awareness about the difficulties experienced by those affected, through artworks in a variety of mediums.

The award-winning project was initiated by artists Steve Rooney and Sue Williams from community-based TAG (The Artists Group). They worked with patients from the Brain Injuries Unit Rehabilitation Unit at Rathbone Hospital in Wavertree and Mersey Care NHS Trust staff to run over 30 workshops with up to 30 participants.

The creative process was used to explore the issues facing them in the aftermath of injury. Particpants felt that the work was of great benefit, building confidence, engaging new skills, but also helping patients to ‘make sense’ of their experience through artistic expression.

The resulting exhibition is a colourful and positive collection of photography, print, large vivid paintings and 3D sculpture. The work demonstrates the capabilities of particpants who have worked together to produce a powerful and stimulating display.

Around one million people a year nationally suffer a head injury. The long-term effects of a haemorrhage, accident or assault can lead to behavioural and emotional changes, as well as affect people’s thinking skills such as memory, concentration and organisation. For a small minority, life will never be the same. More than 120,000 people in the UK are currently suffering from the long-term effects of brain damage caused by head injury.

‘Making Sense’ aims to promote understanding about the nature of brain injury and the plight of those affected. The exhibition opens just prior to Brain Injuries Awareness Week (14-20 March). Supporting events at the Conservation Centre will include opportunities to talk to individuals involved in the project, formal education sessions and workshops run by the professional artists.

Related Websites

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Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit

Brain Injury Awareness Week

Headway - the brain injury association

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