'Our Story' Art Exhibition

Our Story is an exhibition developed by the Brain Injury Association of Hawke’s Bay. All artists exhibiting as part of Our Story have been affected by brain injury.

The artists have worked towards the exhibition over time and the result is that they can display and sell their art from the Hastings Community Arts Centre. The exhibition removes many of the barriers that may hinder these artists from exhibiting their art. Without this exhibition, many of these artists would not have the opportunity to show case their talent.

The Brain Injury Association have found that art is a wonderful medium to support storytelling for those affected by brain injuries. This year, we have over 20 artists exhibiting a wide range of mediums including paintings, pottery, photography, quilts and sketches.

March is national brain injury awareness month and Brain Injury Association Hawkes Bay is the local not-for-profit organisation that provides advocacy and support for people who have a brain injury and their whānau. They work with people who have acquired brain injury, this is any injury that has occurred after birth, including traumatic brain injury (accident/trauma), concussion, stroke, aneurysms, and hypoxic injury. They also provide education and awareness to our community through the concussion in schools programme and community education.

The Our Story exhibition is part of the community outreach and is an opportunity to raise awareness on what a brain injury is and how anyone who is affected can seek support. Overall, their goal is to support people to live full and independent lives and lessen the impact of brain injury in the community.

Ultimately this exhibition is about connection and support, the artists can work alone on their projects at home or alongside others in settings such as the Brain Injury Hawkes Bay Art Group, proudly supported by the Hastings District Council.

Art gives meaning and purpose as part of one’s journey with brain injury; Padma Jilludimudi, one of the exhibiting artists explained: “In 2004, I suffered from a stroke. My right dominant hand was paralysed. I wasn’t fluent but I regained the ability to use my non-dominant hand. I now feed very proud of my progress with artwork. Art has given me back happiness and purpose in my life.” The process in creating art gives purpose, and allows for emotional expression, cognitive rehabilitation and for some a spiritual connection.

Another exhibiting artist shared “Art has inspired me from an early age. To express on canvas and see reactions from people from my art is inspiring."