[UK] Travelling Art Exhibition “I would be here if I could” by Alison Larkman

[Yann04]

I have not verified this. Just saw on reddit. Figured I would pass it on.



Website:

https://www.iwouldbehereificould.com/

Reddit Post:

Traveling art installation by people with ME and Long Covid moving through the UK

TLDR: an art installation created by an artist with ME with contributors who have ME and long covid. A large box made of two way mirrors is being set up at various places around the UK. The places are chosen by people with ME or long covid who love that place but can no longer go there due to their illnesses. The box has a door so visitors can go inside, where they disappear from view from the outside but can still see out. Inside there is an audio recording of a message from the person who chose that place, and postcards are available for visitors to write back to them.

The project began last summer, but I can't find anything posted about it here so I wanted to share because I think this is an incredible accomplishment!!

It's called I Would Be Here If I Could, created by Alison Larkman, and it is "the largest collaborative art project in the UK, co-curated with people with M.E. and Long Covid, giving voice and presence to those who are now absent from the everyday."

Several days ago it was featured at the Royal Opera House in London for two days, and there are 6 other locations scheduled this year and into next summer, including the Tate Modern in London.

From the Royal Opera House: "By bringing together remote and on-site audiences through listening and response, the project makes visible the absence of people from public spaces. It invites reflection on what it means to be connected to a place, and how greater awareness and understanding can help reduce the isolation so many people experience."

For those who can't go in person, we can access the messages about beloved places by people with ME and long covid on the website (both audio recordings and transcriptions available), and write digital postcards in response.

Hearing messages from other ME and long covid sufferers and having the opportunity to connect with them, as well as the reactions from visitors who have been moved by it, has been so touching and inspires me with hope, I hope it does the same for others here

[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/iwouldbehereificould/)

[1.5 minute video trailer (contains audio)](https://vimeo.com/1179180850)

 

[Hutan]

This is an amazing idea. I've listened to a few of the messages, they are very moving. I think it will be effective in raising awareness.

 

[V.R.T.]

I wanted to submit to this project but wasn't well enough when submissions were open.

It's a beautiful idea and very effective advocacy, glad to see it's still going.

 

[Wits_End]

There's something about this already, under UK News, I think. Maybe a Moderator could merge sometime? No urgency.

Edit: Just checked. https://s4me.info/threads/united-ki...-news-from-scotland.29404/page-29#post-718450 - plus my post further down the same page.

 

[Hutan]

From @Wits_End's earlier post on the UK News - can't copy as it would break the time-space continuum:

This has just popped up on my LinkedIn feed, but I can't link to it here. Nevertheless, here is the ROH's page on it:

I would be here if I could: The Mirrorbox

<p>An interactive installation at the Royal Opera House sharing messages from people with ME and Long Covid who can no longer visit places they love. Listen, reflect and leave a postcard in response. A free, interactive experience exploring connection, absence and accessibility.</p>

www.rbo.org.uk

 

[DHagen]

A really beautiful, deeply moving project with a splash page that seems singularly ill-conceived for a condition whose victims commonly experience extreme sensory sensitivities.

 

[Trish]

ME Association article:

I Would Be Here If I Could: ME Association Trustee attends The Mirrorbox Journey event at the Royal Opera House

Last Friday (11th September), ME Association Associate Trustee, Nicki Strong, attended a private viewing event at the Royal Opera House for the I Would Be There If I Could arts project, featuring the iconic Mirrorbox.
[...]

 

[Ash]

This is an amazing idea. I've listened to a few of the messages, they are very moving. I think it will be effective in raising awareness.

How do you listen, I went to the site but can't work it out?

 

[Hutan]

I went to Messages on the top menu bar and selected Map, and then clicked on the purple markers for places I was interested in. That takes you to the site with a sound bar to click on.

Try this link

Message Map – I Would Be Here If I Could...

Messages have been left for places across the UK. Places people living with M.E. and Long Covid love but can no longer get to. Click on a location to find out more and hear the message left by the person who has chosen that place

www.iwouldbehereificould.com

 

[ahimsa]

I went to Messages on the top menu bar and selected Map, and then clicked on the purple markers for places I was interested in. That takes you to the site with a sound bar to click on.

Another way to get to the messages is via this link, Message Library:

Message Library – I Would Be Here If I Could...

Explore messages from people with M.E. and Long Covid, from the places that they love but are unable to visit.

www.iwouldbehereificould.com

It lets you filter by topic or search for a specific place.