This Is Me – Care Leavers, Identity & Sense of Place
We all have a place that’s close to our hearts. Let us show you ours.
We’re excited to announce that London’s Saatchi Gallery is hosting THIS IS ME in their Education Gallery between 28 May and 5 June.
A group of young care leavers from London have directed their own self-portraits and recorded a series of monologues revealing the stories behind the pictures. In a startling and humbling celebration of diverse voices, each individual explores why their chosen place is meaningful to them and how it relates to or shapes their sense of identity.
Come along and get a glimpse into the precious memories of young care leavers as they revisit places that are close to their hearts across London.
You can also find the complete exhibition and accompanying soundtracks online on Flickr and Soundcloud.
And don’t forget to spread the word!
Underground/train: Sloan Square, Victoria
Duke of York’s HQ
King’s Road
London
SW3 4RY
THIS IS ME tasters:
A group of young care leavers from London have directed their own self-portraits, which will be displayed with accompanying monologues. In a startling and humbling celebration of diverse voices, each individual explores why their chosen place is meaningful to them and how it relates to or shapes their sense of identity.
Audio: Zach talks about what it takes for a young person to revisit places that might bear painful memories.
‘I think of society as a library, and people are all books. What happens if nobody reads the books?’ – This is Me participant
Care leavers face a number of hurdles when transitioning into adulthood and independence. A third of people sleeping on the streets come from a care background. About 40% of young care leavers are NEET and half of them are dealing with mental health issues. This unique project invites you to discover the people behind the statistics, their stories and take on reality.
When: 28 May- 5 June, Open daily 10am – 6pm
Where: Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, London, SW3 4RY
Audio: Shaun reminds us that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but of personal strength.
Audio: Listen to Travon’s story about the relative freedom of street homelessness, after leaving a domestic setting he describes as a ‘prison’.
