reflections, projections and pinholes

From The Bethlem Gallery
Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Kent, BR3 3BX

Reflections, Projections and Pinholes describe some of the techniques used to produce a collection of photographs on show in The Bethlem Gallery. The three-month project was set up to mark World Mental Health Day 2002.

Artist Beth Elliott inspired a group of patients at Bethlem to experiment with different photographic techniques and equipment. Beth wanted to avoid the obvious associations with photography and encourage patients to treat the camera as if it were a canvas.

During weekly expeditions around the hospital grounds, mirrors were hung from trees, images were projected onto buildings and illusions created that play on the viewer’s sense of perspective.

Visiting artist Dimitri Launder also taught the group how to make a camera from scratch. From old drinks cans and cereal boxes emerged small, mysterious images that give a surreal interpretation of the hospital environment.

During one session Norwegian artist Ole Kristian Justudes introduced a ‘photo marathon’, work had to be made to illustrate a series of titles within a time limit. Vastly contrasting styles were produced under seemingly restricting limitations.
Through exploration of their surroundings, the patients were able to create images, both accidental and spontaneous through simply pressing the button, or carefully composed to express an idea. Either way the results are a diverse collection of pictures challenging not only the conventional form of a photograph but also the mechanics of creating one.

For more information contact Karen Risby 020 8776 4835

The Bethlem Gallery is a permanent exhibition space in the grounds of the Bethlem Royal Hospital. The gallery was set up in 1997 to provide opportunities for artists who have experienced mental health problems. Sensory Trust is pleased to host a sample of works from this exhibition on the web.