Launch Tonight

This exhibition showcases a project by photographer Theo Moye and young people attending sessions run by Action East Devon.

As a photographer who has struggled with their own mental health Theo Moye is keen to challenge some of the stereotypical images used to illustrate issues like anxiety and depression.

A few years ago a charity newsletter invited suggestions for an alternative to the stereotypical ‘Head in Hands’ image to illustrate mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

While this image is recognisable it doesn’t actually say anything about what is going on inside someone’s head or real, lived experiences. Mental health issues are different for everyone and are very intangible by their nature.

As a photographer who has struggled with their mental health Theo wanted to take up this challenge. After much thought he created an image to illustrate his experience of anxiety and thought it would be interesting to work with other people to create images that describe their mental health. He hopes the images will encourage discussion and challenge stigma. 

These images will be exhibited in venues including Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre, and the libraries in Ottery St Mary, Axminster, Seaton, Sidmouth and Exeter.

The event listing at the Exeter Phoenix is now live so please go down and visit to explore

NB Some images have been recreated with models.