Exhibition explores ‘masking’ mental health issues

A Whiteabbey artist is aiming to raise awareness of mental health issues during her upcoming solo exhibition.
By Helena McManus
Published 21st Jul 2020, 16:26 BST
Whiteabbey artist Robyn Haslett has an upcoming solo art exhibition in the John Luke Gallery, Cityside Retail Centre, Belfast.Whiteabbey artist Robyn Haslett has an upcoming solo art exhibition in the John Luke Gallery, Cityside Retail Centre, Belfast.
Whiteabbey artist Robyn Haslett has an upcoming solo art exhibition in the John Luke Gallery, Cityside Retail Centre, Belfast.

‘Masking It’, a collection of paintings by Robyn Haslett will be on display at Arts for All, Cityside Retail Park on July 30.

The 23-year-old, originally from Carrickfergus, specialised in painting during her degree in Fine Art at Ulster University.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The pieces explore the idea of ‘masking’ mental health issues, the former Ulidia Integrated College student said: “More than half of the young population of Northern Ireland suffers from mental health problems.  One of those people is my fiance, Ryan McConnell; he has come very close to not being here and he always wants to promote awareness that it is ok not to be ok.

Billboard advertising Robyn's exhibition.Billboard advertising Robyn's exhibition.
Billboard advertising Robyn's exhibition.

“He inspired my painting, to express how it may feel to live with a mask everyday. So I thought, why not use a balaclava to showcase a way of being masked. Throughout my paintings, I have tried to pour different emotions into every one of them. I kept with the theme of keeping all the figures masked, and I kept involving Ryan on different feelings he went through. I would do a lot of sketches before I got to the final idea.”

The exhibition is Robyn’s second hosted by the gallery, with her first show in October 2019 showcasing various paintings she had completed over the years. “The theme [of the first show] was mainly about family and using the same collective of colours.  It was a great experience to get myself established as an artist,” said Robyn, who will be returning to Ulster University in September to study a Masters in Fine Art.

“Although this exhibition is completely different to what I imagined, I would have never thought I would have a billboard up with my name on it in Belfast. There is a serious note to the exhibition: I want to raise awareness about mental health, especially since it affects someone close to me. It was a great honour to be asked to do another show.  I’d like to credit everyone in Arts for All, especially Jill McDermott as she has made this possible for me.  Arts for All are a great platform I volunteer for and I’m excited for the upcoming show.”

Related topics:Arts