Research inspires art exhibit on mental health and the human experience

PhD researcher in the University’s School of Business and Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, Katie Melvin has combined her academic research into bodily feelings and passion for visual art at a current exhibition held at Attenborough Arts centre.

Katie’s art series is entitled Feeling-In-The-World, and explores an approach to thinking about mental health and the human experience in terms of the circumstances which surround them. Among the pieces on show is a portrait of philosopher Susanne Langer.

Katie said:  “It’s not very common to see images of female academics or philosophers, so it was really important to me to exhibit a portrait of a scholar such as Langer who has inspired me. Art can provide an exciting opportunity for researchers to communicate ideas in different ways and to new audiences.

“The series uses visual and installation art with a corresponding free zine, to explore the idea of how our feelings and distress may relate to our circumstances. With Attenborough Art’s Centre’s strengths in access and inclusivity, it has been a fantastic place to exhibit the works.”

The exhibit will be on show until this Saturday 24 February. Katie will be visiting the gallery regularly and is happy to answer any questions about her work.