Kirstie Adamson is a magazine collage artist based at Banks Mill Studios in Derby and her experiences of living with endometriosis and adenomyosis inspired her to create an exhibition to raise awareness of invisible illness.

Together with other artists Kirstie is curating an exhibition entitled 'Behind The Smile'; an invisible illness exhibition exploring living with issues such as chronic pain, depression and anxiety. Aiming to break taboos and raise awareness.

Kirstie comments: “I have always had a great interest in finding ways of using waste materials in my artwork. I was introduced to this technique at art college in 1994 when I was asked to collage a still life using newspapers. I loved the effect and have repeatedly returned to it. I turned my attention to reclaimed metal during my degree in Applied Arts at the University of Derby which I completed in 2000. I experimented with a variety of materials following this but in 2007 I decided to specialise in magazine collage.”

“I don't use any imagery from the magazines but I use the colours and textures that I find as an alternative to paint. It is intentional that when viewing my work that the method used is not instantly obvious. At first glance it is often assumed that I have used paint and only on closer inspection does it become apparent that the piece consists entirely of ripped and cut magazines. The intention is to challenge our perceptions, highlighting how small changes in our methods and materials can enhance our work while reducing impact.”

You are invited to join the artists taking part by attending the launch event on Saturday, 3 March from 5.30-8.30pm

The exhibition will run from 26 February – 23 March and be open to the public from 10am-3pm. Please ring 01332 597866 ahead of your trip if planning a special visit.