‘Living Bereavement’ art on show from institution survivors
INSTITUTION survivors are presenting an art exhibition at Tallaght Library this week.
Created by clients from the Christine Buckley Centre, the ‘Our Living Bereavement’ expo launched on Monday, October 7, and runs until Saturday, October 12.
Terri Harrison (Left)
Terri Harrison, a Director of the Christine Buckley Centre, said: “This is the work of many clients who attend the Christine Buckley Educational and Support Centre on Jervis Street.
All of the work helps to show how much art, music, drama, poetry, writing, helps to heal the hurts of the past. Expressions through art help so much to release inner turmoil and it speaks out when voices are silent through fear.”
In 1973, Ms Harrison, a Parkwest resident, gave birth in Bessborough Mother and Baby home, whereupon her firstborn son was swiftly taken from her hands.
She also joined the Collaborative Forum on Mother and Baby 18 months ago – which is comprised of former residents of institutions.
“There is a lot happening in the next few months and the current Mother and Baby Home investigation Commission finally comes to a close,” she said.
Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind), who grew up in the Irish care system and is a Trustee of the Christine Buckley Centre, encourages people to visit the expo.
He said: “Those of us who survived the institutions, who survived the vaccine trials and those of us who survived abuse are all living survivors, each with our own unique story to tell. Many of us never thought people would, firstly, listen and, secondly, believe us.”
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