Beautiful Now

Monstrous art works including an enormous typhoon and a giant eyeball are currently on show at Radiant Art Gallery, Plymouth City Centre.

Following two months of intensive training as art curators with Effervescent’s team, nine talented girls aged 10 – 14 came up with the idea for the show and selected art works by five artists based in Plymouth, in the UK, and in Europe.

The show is called I’m Beautiful Now, and it’s a powerful evocation of what it’s like to be a young carer.

Young carers are children who have caring responsibilities for their parents or brothers and sisters – perhaps because their parents have long-term medical problems, or have been through severe trauma.

Often, young carers have to manage household budgets and bills, take on shopping and cleaning chores, provide physical or emotional support or medical aid for their parents and siblings, and keep their families safe.

Effervescent, which recently converted the abandoned Halifax Bank on Derrys Cross into an art gallery, tea room, studio and creative hub, has been working with the group of girls and Barnardos since August.

Sasha Richardson, 13, said “We practiced curating teddy bears and shoes - before we started working with art works - in the studio, corridors, and toilets at Radiant: it was really weird but lots of fun! We also went to two museums in London. We got inspiration from there: it was really useful.”

The project has been supported by Arts Council England, Plymouth University and Plymouth City Council.

Ray White, Effervescent’s Curator, said, “It’s been a genuine privilege to work with such talented girls.  What we’re doing at Radiant is finding new ways to ensure culture and arts are enjoyed and owned by everyone in Plymouth.  We want to see what young children curate, and what they think is important to talk about through art.  What we’ve found out, is that even very young people can put together sophisticated and exciting shows, given help and space.”

Describing the show, young curator Crystal Lynes, 10, said, “One moment you’re scared, next minute you’re laughing, and then you’re sad.”

Chyanne Parker, 14, added, “I’m Beautiful Now is dark; I hope it gives you a feeling of fear.  As a young carer you have a lot of emotions, and one of the big ones is fear.”

Barnardo’s children’s services manager Jeanie Lynch said: “It has been a great experience to work with Effervescent, which is such a creative organisation.

“Young carers often face enormous challenges but they shouldn’t have to do this on our own. This is a prime example of how they can be encouraged to enjoy new experiences and learn new skills, encouraging them to achieve their potential.”

I’m Beautiful Now opens at 6pm on Friday 24th October and is open every day until Wednesday 26th November. Children and families are welcome; entry is free.