Worthing Charities Collaborate For Kintsugi Women's Exhibition

Local homeless charities, Turning Tides and Safe in Sussex, have come together to put on an exhibition celebrating the women who use their services.

Female service users were invited to think of something they value about themselves or highlight something difficult they’ve learned through their experiences.

Their experiences and expressions are captured in their chosen art form with the common thread of gold running throughout their creations to evoke and symbolise the repair like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, mending broken pottery with gold medium which renders it stronger and more beautiful than before.

Sam Otway from Safe in Sussex said:

“We want visitors to understand the reality of homelessness and domestic abuse in the local area. There are so many significant pieces and so many stories…  [showing] amazing courage and strength through fixing and discovering themselves and finding unique qualities for the first time – truly amazing women!” 

Sophia, who has been supported out of homelessness by Turning Tides and who has created art for the exhibition, said: 

“I went to the Turning Tides community hub to be part of the art group, it was great to have that space to be able to do that, to look forward to meeting people and the friendships and relationships that I made … it made you feel a part of something.”

Throughout this Kintsugi project strong relationships were formed between the women, friendships that empowered them to express themselves through their art and share their healing journey. These bonds allowed for the shared hope that the life they lead can now be a choice, and the past doesn’t have to predict the future.

“People experiencing homelessness can be broken in so many ways, nobody chooses to be on the streets, especially women. Kintsugi is also known as the art of precious scars…  What breaks us makes us stronger. This exhibition tells of our precious scars,” explained Jules, artist and project leader at Turning Tides.

Sophia added: 

“Being at Turning Tides has really brought me back to a creative mindset. Having the time and the space along with the encouragement from staff really gave me a focus to direct my time and attention. Which is why I started going down to the art group, and later getting involved in the Kintsugi art project.”

“One of the great things about the Kintsugi art project was its representation of not being broken and the beauty of overcoming adversity… Kintsugi, in my opinion bridges the gap between mental health and homelessness. I don’t see these as separate problems just one problem with many possible outcomes. I hope to raise awareness and promote change with this.”…

You can visit the Kintsugi Women exhibition at Worthing Museum and Gallery until Sunday 25th September during Museum opening times. Free entrance.

A message from Turning Tides:

Several courageous women found friendship and hope in this project, and Turning Tides help hundreds of people every year, but they need your support.

Last year alone Turning Tides supported just under 900 local people but as living costs rise the need for their services are escalating.

They are tackling the ‘perfect storm’ of homelessness and are asking for your help to ensure their services can stay open, so no one faces the trauma of homelessness alone. You can find out more here. www.turning-tides.org.uk/frontline-appeal/