Collection 1 – Psych Abolition

An introduction to psych abolition Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu and Thokoza Ndlondlo explain and explore what psychiatric abolition means and what it means to collectively look after each other in terms of our mental health without relying on the violence of the state We Are With You Lydia Rose’s mixed media collage envisions abolitionist approaches to…

Abolition, Disability Justice

A person with a purpley-pink afro whose face is being pulled away from their head and body as they scream and cry set against a background of multicoloured squares. Over the top are the words Collection 1: Psych abolition and Mad liberation

An introduction to psych abolition

Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu and Thokoza Ndlondlo explain and explore what psychiatric abolition means and what it means to collectively look after each other in terms of our mental health without relying on the violence of the state

Collage with light blue scrunched-paper effect background, featuring different sized darker blue and turquoise triangles. Illustration of a pink lotus flower in bloom and two closed buds, and their green leaves. Handwritten poem in small squares at the top reads: We are with you, {We, who honour your life} We breathe with you as you move through strife. We are with you, {We, who witness your distress} We offer comfort with arms outstretched. We are with you, {We, who speak to the Earth} We seek grounding in the nature she births. We are with you, {We, who hear your cries} We believe you and stand by your side. We are with you, {We, your ancestors above} We are with you always, forever in love.

We Are With You

Lydia Rose’s mixed media collage envisions abolitionist approaches to supporting people during a mental health crisis. It draws on social, emotional, somatic and spiritual care, and includes a handwritten poem

The Light Between the Shadows

A photo series by Diana O’Shannon depicting her stay in a psychiatric unit. The photos use interplays of light to communicate themes of hope and perseverance during challenging times

Light and shadow shining against a blue-grey wall

Multicoloured pill boxes and safety pins are spread over a flowery surface with hands holding and playing with the boxes and pins

Beyond Pills: Mapping Community Care through Memorabilia

This photo series by Divya Mahatme captures the contradictions, tensions, and quiet negotiations that define care outside institutional walls

it’s ok, you’re ok

In this digital artwork, Jahia LaSangoma reimagines the mental health intake form outside of its history of retraumatization, stigma, and isolation for the artist

A completed mental health intake form with graphics of butterflies, dripping honey, hands holding each other, and font stylised like a video game. From top to bottom, the words read: "you are now entering a judgement-free zone. Do you need a break? You can be honest. I know you're scared. I know you're lying, we won't put you in an involuntary psychiatric hold. I'm so sorry. You are not crazy. We'll get through this together"

Ondas

Jasmine Kahlia’s live soundscape tells a story of healing and restoration after loss, and focuses on finding family, and belonging, holding onto and rediscovering what’s important when it’s hard to focus