Let’s Talk inspires you to open up and share the load.
With the pressures of modern life being pretty relentless, it’s never been more important to talk about our mental health. Opening up and talking about what ails us is pretty daunting, but a new art installation in the City of London is hoping to help. Let’s Talk aims to show you that what lies beneath the surface is nothing to be ashamed of – and it’s completely free to visit.
Sat in the courtyard of Guildhall Yard, Let’s Talk is a collaboration between photographer Charlie Clift and artist Kate Forrester. It takes the form of a series of large photographs of celebrities (such as Sue Perkins and Bryony Gordon) and regular folks (like you and me), but look a little closer and you’ll see something unusual.
Each participant has had their face hand-lettered, with a series of descriptions about their mental health experience – airing their worst thoughts about themselves in the process. The result is brave, powerful, and really rather vital. By getting these thoughts and feelings out in the open, and interrogating them, we’re invited to talk about them ourselves and get the help we might need.
It’s a really laudable project, and the intent to “spark millions of conversations about mental health” is one we should all follow. Let’s Talk will be in residence until May 25th, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area. And please do remember: it’s ok to not be ok sometimes, and help will always be available if you need it.
Find out more about the Let’s Talk campaign, and access help, from their website.
Featuring image: @cityoflondon