How are young people really doing? They are growing up in a time of increasing uncertainty, pressure to succeed, constant visibility and an endless flow of information and stimuli. The impact on their mental wellbeing is receiving more and more attention. Yet it can still be difficult to put these feelings and experiences into words. Art can play an important role in creating space for reflection and conversation. Around the occasion of the Day of Mental Health, Melkweg Expo and MIND Us invite visitors to explore these themes through art and open dialogue.
No Need To Pretend brings together contemporary art, youth culture and mental health. The exhibition presents work by recently graduated artists from Dutch art academies. The selection was made in collaboration with youth ambassadors from MIND Us, who, together with guest curator Cathelijne Blok, explored artworks that connect with their experiences and perspectives. In the works of Anna Björk, Densley Annastatia, Elsa Rubio Björk, Finn Koene, Gala Camps-McLoughlin, Mabel Blokzijl and Rosa Uribe, the young ambassadors recognised experiences of stress, alienation and the pressure to meet expectations, but also resilience, connection and hope.
No Need To Pretend is not only about young people, but was also created in close collaboration with them. The exhibition encourages open conversations about mental health and shows how art can help us express and discuss emotions, even if you are not familiar with contemporary art.There is no right or wrong interpretation. What you see in an art work does not necessarily need to match the artist's intention. You may recognise something of your own experiences, find the starting point for a conversation, or discover that others share similar feelings. That is where the power of art lies.
MIND Us
For this exhibition, we collaborated with the youth ambassadors of MIND Us. MIND Us is committed to supporting the healthy development and wellbeing of young people. Together with young people and partner organisations, they work towards a society where young people can be themselves, grow and develop, and easily access the support they need. By creating these opportunities and connections, MIND Us helps strengthen young people's resilience and enables them to take better care of their mental wellbeing. They do this together with everyone who wants to make a positive difference.
