Community show addresses suicide

Nearly 40 per cent of all suspected suicides in the Waitemata DHB area last year were from the North Shore.

And it’s still a hard subject to talk about.

Depot Artspace is trying to normalise the conversation around suicide, by addressing this sensitive issue through art.

Earlier this year, the Depot sent an open call-out for any and all creative works that expressed personal experiences with suicide.

The Roaring Silence is the finished publication of all of the varies pieces that were submitted.

Creative director Linda Blincko says this project is empowering the community, as talking creates compassion and awareness.

‘‘There is a ripple effect with suicide, everyone is involved in some way,’’ she says.

‘‘In communities like Devonport, everyone is affected.’’

To help fund The Roaring Silence, the Depot is also hosting an art exhibition and auction called Escape Artists.

Escape Artists features artwork produced by a bunch of local exadvertisers who, after a lifetime of working in corporate industries, have found their way back to their artistic roots.

Artist Scott Wilson is one of the exhibitors.

‘‘Art is a fantastic expression of self, especially for those who are close to an edge,’’ he says.

‘‘Suicide is a lonely place, you need people to help you through

‘‘There is a ripple effect with suicide, everyone is involved in some way.’’

Linda Blincko

it.’’

The final submissions for The Roaring Silence were a ‘‘real mix’’ of both the light and dark shades to suicide, media producer Amelia Harris says.

Blank pages will be left untouched at the end of the book, for people to carry on their stories.

That’s not just on the perforated sheets of the publication, but in communities and families too.

‘‘We are a community with resources, compassion, and the capacity to talk about issues,’’ Blincko says.

‘‘This is what communities can do well and that’s what we want this exhibition to embody.’’

Escape Artists opens September 3, from 2pm at Depot Artspace.

Where to get help:

Lifeline: 0800 543 354

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865

Earlier this year, the Depot sent an open call-out for any and all creative works that expressed personal experiences with suicide.