Melanie Sims – The Lost Sister

The Meffan, Forfar February 18-March 18

When Glasgow-based artist Melanie Sims was in her late teens, she made a discovery about her own family history that led to her unearthing a story about her maternal aunt, Doreen, who lived in an asylum.

It was only years later, after Melanie’s mother died, that she unpicked the tale of her lost aunt then turned it into a touring exhibition, which was first shown in Glasgow in 2015.

Now Melanie is bringing her show, The Lost Sister to the Meffan museum and art gallery in Forfar.

The exhibition, which explores the notions of loss, denial and the sisterly bond, combines photographic works, installations and poetry to tell the story of Doreen, who died in 1967 aged 41, in the Whalley Asylum, Clitheroe.

Melanie’s work is largely photography-based and focuses on themes surrounding memory, loss and grief.