Whisper 2 A Scream

A Whisper to A Scream exhibition is the story of two journeys – one of inherited cancers through the BRCA gene, one of mental illness and addiction. Together, they reflect the intrinsic sameness of the two. One cannot live with inherited cancers without severe mental trauma and one cannot live with mental illness and addiction without severe physical consequences. Two women using the unique powers of the arts to become whole. ‘Neuroarts is defined as the transdisciplinary study of how the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably change the body, brain, and behavior and how this knowledge is translated into specific practices that advance health and wellbeing.’ Caren Helene Rudman and Kelly Mathews have been addressing, reconstructing and redefining the phrase ‘mind/body connection’ throughout their separate careers. Both artists express with a keen awareness the ephemeral nature of existence while calling into question the premise that the two, mind and body, are ever disconnected. Their works converge around themes of intergenerational trauma as they pertain to inherited genetic conditions which define the whole person, “The brain is body and the body is our soul.” The goal of this immersive experiential exhibition is to deconstruct the status quo, dissect and refute how, as a society, mind and body can ever be disconnected. By revealing how the brain is a part of a physical body and vice versa, both artists find a mode of communication and healing through the process of creating art. Background information: Kelly’s work focuses on mental health. Through her struggles with Bipolar disorder, she attempts to break down the stigma often attached to the diagnosis. Her history with addiction, rehab, recovery and Bipolar disorder lends her a unique perspective on the world around her. Primarily using encaustic and photography, her work deals with social and political issues and erasing the preconceptions of mental illness. Caren’s work has concentrated on the intersection between physical health and the medical world, expressing the fragility and strength of the body when facing illness and mortality within the context of healing. Her experiences confronting cancer as a carrier of the BRCA gene focuses her work on health and wellness and the effects of inherited generational trauma by repeatedly asking how far do we go to “stay healthy.” This powerful exhibition includes installations by each individual artist as well as collaborative works specific to A Whisper 2 A Scream. There is also a coordinating group exhibition, Healing through the Arts (12 x 12)

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