Keith's Blog

A Piece of Me

Sometimes when we get drawn into debates about the importance of listening to the views of children and young people, we talk about children’s voices. Sometimes we take that rather too literally, as if it is only the spoken word in a meeting or discussion, or the written word on a returned questionnaire, that can give us those views.

When I left secondary school I did a fine art degree and I still believe paintings are the pinnacle of artistic expression. I can look at a painting by Whistler, Turner, Hockney or Banksy and I ‘hear’ their message, I see and feel their response to the world around them.

This was the case at the ‘A Piece of Me’ exhibition, held by Barnardos Cymru’s Seraf Service, an intensive support programme for children and young people aged 10 to 18 who are either at risk or have been abused through sexual exploitation. The project, funded by The Arts Council of Wales, is being shown in the The Pierhead Building inCardiff Bay. It includes film, art, animation, music, poetry and stories by young people who have received support from the Seraf Service.

I was really pleased to have the honour of opening the exhibition. Art encourages freedom of expression and this exhibition speaks to all who are up for listening and hearing. It is a brave thing to do and I hope that as many people as possible view the work on display.

 I would like to thank all the young people and staff at the Barnardo’s Cymru Seraf Service and also the Arts Council of Wales for funding such a worthwhile project.

The invitation described ‘A Piece of Me’ as:

 “A gritty exhibition which challenges our minds and perceptions through the eyes of young people’s experiences. It is impossible to leave the exhibition untouched.”

By any definition this is art and creative expression that gives voice to children and young people’s experiences. It is powerful and I would urge you to see it, either in the Bay or when it tours around Wales in the months ahead.

The whole show is very strong but three pieces in particular spoke to me:

 

This painting is being used as the poster for the exhibition. It shows a child crying on the inside.

This piece is called ‘Blood run cold’ and the caption underneath says: “There are nights when I wake and my blood runs cold remembering experiences I have had.”

This picture is called ‘The Mask’ and shows how you can put on a mask to hide your true feelings. You have to look beyond the mask.

As you tour around you can see children and young people expressing their anger and frustration through art. It is uncomfortable in places. But it concludes with hope, showing the resilience that children and young people have, to do more than to just survive, to achieve their full potential.