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The Visualisation of Pain
Niamh McConaghy
15 – 29 November 2019

Chronic pain is a complex and subjective experience found within a wide range of conditions. Research shows that both psychological and sociological factors can alter felt physical pain and can be unknowingly influenced by external factors, like the weather or relationships. The difficulty of this experience is heightened by the inaccessibility to communicate the total extent and complexity of the experience.

Although arts-based, health communication research is progressing, little has been carried out that combines particular arts-based methods, and which specifically focuses on chronic pain experience.

This exhibition is a part of a wider research study led by Ulster University, PhD Researcher Niamh McConaghy. Participants are from both the University of Atypical and the charity Versus Arthritis, and all experience chronic pain in one form or another. The artwork shown in this exhibition is created in response to both the experienced psychosocial pain experience and visually documented pain experience over a two week period. This work investigates if a combination of language (through poetry) and visual art can articulate a more comprehensive way to communicate chronic pain, that is reflective of the total pain experience.

Northern Ireland Versus Arthritis ArthritisCare Arthritis Action Rheumatoid Arthritis Group Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
#artsNI Belfast Visual Arts Forum Community Fine Art Belfast Belfast Art Galleries Ulster University

About Atypical Gallery:

Showcasing artwork by disabled and deaf artists since 1993, Atypical Gallery is the only permanent exhibition space on the island of Ireland dedicated specifically to highlighting the work of disabled and D/deaf artists.

Atypical Gallery provides a welcoming, accessible environment for both emerging and established artists practising across the visual arts spectrum.  As well as providing an exciting and challenging programme of visual arts exhibitions, the gallery also serves as a forum for the education and discussion of disability-led art and culture.

Beginning in 2018, Atypical Gallery will host a series of talks, screenings, readings and events around disability art, contemporary practice, socially engaged and participatory art, and disability-led art and curation. Our aim is to broaden public perceptions of disabled and D/deaf art practice, to champion excellence in visual arts practice, and to support and encourage the professional development and acceptance of disabled and D/deaf artists in Northern Ireland.