Exhibition on masking and mental health opens at the House of the Blackheads in Tallinn
On World Mental Health Day, an exhibition exploring how people change their behaviour to meet others' expectations opened in Tallinn, Estonia. It runs until 22 November.
An exhibition titled "Masking: Hiding Your True Self" opened at the House of the Blackheads in Tallinn, Estonia, on World Mental Health Day, 10 October. It examines how people alter their behaviour to match the expectations of those around them.
Masking is the conscious or unconscious hiding, changing or suppressing of one's natural reactions, behaviour patterns, emotions or traits in order to fit into a particular social group. It is discussed especially often in connection with neurodevelopmental differences, including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Masking helps people avoid negative attention and cope with everyday situations. However, a person has to keep monitoring and adjusting their own behaviour, as well as observing those around them.
The artists' work
The artists were free to alter their own portrait photographs and use them as a basis for works about identity, self-perception and adaptation. The result is a varied view of how people see themselves and how they want, or feel they need, to present themselves to others.
The exhibition features works by Jaan Elken, Mirjam Hinn, August Joost, Kaupo Kikas, Laurentsius, Raul Meel, Maarit Murka, Marko Mäetamm, Mall Nukke, Kaido Ole, Jaan Toomik and Alar Tuul. The curator is Katri-Evelin Kalaus, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist.
The exhibition is open in the Olavi hall of the House of the Blackheads until 22 November this year.
