I Want to Live
Exhibition Dates
June 22nd 2018 - October 12th 2018
I Want to Live is a project run by photographer Daniel Regan and suicide respite centre Maytree. The project comprises a number of interviews and photographic portraits of Maytree’s volunteer workforce, investigating what brings people to volunteer with those in suicidal crisis, volunteers’ own mental health experiences and the impact of suicide. Alongside these images are a series of photographs taken at the house, highlighting the liminal space where significant change often takes place and the traces that Maytree’s many guests have left behind.
The photographs and interviews will form part of a 4 month exhibition during which Daniel will be running a number of arts workshops focusing on suicide and bereavement.
Maytree is a unique suicide prevention charity providing befriending support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings in a non-clinical and unique space.
Based in north London within a home setting and supported by over a hundred volunteers, Maytree supports thousands of people each year by providing in-person, telephone and e-mail support. Maytree provides the opportunity for a one off stay of four nights and five days for guests experiencing suicidal feelings. During this time guests are encouraged to explore their suicidal feelings in a non-judgemental safe space with staff and volunteers.
Daniel Regan is a photographer and suicide survivor specialising in health and wellbeing, using visual language to explore complex emotional experiences in lieu of traditional forms of communication.
From using photography to navigate his own mental health history to building large-scale commissioned interactive and immersive installations exploring the soothing qualities of landscape, Daniel aims to prompt viewers and collaborators to consider how the arts can be used to explore health. His work encompasses the full spectrum of our wellbeing, both identifying and working through often difficult experiences whilst engaging people with ideas of self-advocacy and self-expression.
