A Glasgow-based artist’s grieving process inspired a personal exhibition exploring the healing power of creativity.
When her father died suddenly in 2022, Sasha Shalmina used her art to seek solace.
The result is “The Colour of Grief,” a solo exhibition reflecting her journey from despair to acceptance.
The Colour of Grief is a solo exhibition(Image: Supplied)
The exhibition is part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.
The exhibition moves from turbulent, digital works into quieter, hand-painted canvases with a different colour palette, as well as videos that detail Sasha’s journey.
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The exhibition opens on October 10, World Mental Health Day, at New Glasgow Society on Argyle Street, and will be on display until October 19.
Sasha said: “My father, Ivan, was a renowned Moscow-based architect and classically trained artist, with two of his works held in MoMA’s permanent collection.
“When he died unexpectedly of a heart attack, I was unable to process the loss, I kept reaching for my phone, expecting a new message from him with a new painting attached.
“But there were none. The silence was unbearable.
“I began painting the pictures he wasn’t sending me anymore.
“But instead of colour, they came out black and white. Lifeless.
“As though the images themselves were grieving too.
“I used his style and techniques, but the energy had shifted.
“If you’ve ever lost someone, or simply wondered what grief might look like – raw, layered, and, at times, even hopeful – I hope you’ll come.
“This exhibition is for anyone who has lived through loss, who has felt broken and remade, who is trying to find colour again.”
Proceeds from the exhibition will support Cruse Scotland, a charity providing free bereavement support to children, young people, and adults.
Sasha said: “I’m delighted to donate 50% of all proceeds from the exhibition to the charity.”
Fiona Arnott-Barron, chief executive of Cruse Scotland, said: “We’re so very grateful to Sasha, not only for raising awareness of the challenges grief brings after the loss of someone close, but also for her generosity in fundraising for Cruse Scotland.
“Her support will ensure that those who are struggling do not have to face grief alone.”