A deeply moving visual arts exhibition, created in collaboration with a group of Iranian women who have sought sanctuary in the UK, is now open to the public in Glasgow. 'What We Hold We Carry' transforms the Intermedia Gallery at the CCA into a profound space for care, reflection, and dialogue.
Art as a Vessel for Memory and Resilience
Running until November 15, the exhibition is a central feature of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. It uses a powerful mix of storytelling, video, found objects, and installation to surface memories that speak to the fragility and tension of living between cultures and places. The project delves into profound themes of trauma, resilience, and identity, asking how we carry our experiences and how art and community can help us reimagine belonging across borders and differences.
The exhibition was developed through the Mental Health Foundation’s Elevate project and the Hope campaign, initiatives dedicated to ensuring people seeking sanctuary are meaningfully involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives. It responds directly to the 2025 festival's theme of Comfort and Disturb.
The Voices Behind the Work
The project was created and coordinated by Maryam Razeghian in close collaboration with the participants, whose personal stories form the core of the exhibition. The artistic and curatorial leadership was provided by artist and curator Paria M. Goodarzi.
One participant, Nadia, a mother of two who has lived in Scotland for 11 years, found that the project helped her reconnect with art she had practised years ago. Her contribution is an artwork inspired by the lotus flower, found in the north of Iran.
"The flower represents strengths, resilience, and the ability to thrive in the most difficult circumstances," Nadia explained. "Getting involved in this project has really helped me to express myself and talk about my feelings. Through the art and the symbols, we can better understand ourselves and how we’re feeling."
Another contributor, Roya, who has lived in Scotland for five years and previously worked in tailoring, created four bold, coloured textile artworks. These pieces represent the human spirit and the spectrum of emotions felt by those who have been forced to leave their homes.
"My artwork is exploring the different representations of the human spirit within each of us," Roya said. "It honours the struggles that people have faced and how they have become stronger on the journey. Art helps us to see how we are all alike." She also shared her affection for her new home, noting the friendly people and a familiar river, though she joked that the main difference is the weather.
Visit the Exhibition
'What We Hold We Carry' offers a unique and poignant insight into the experiences of those rebuilding their lives in a new country. It is a testament to the healing and unifying power of art and community. Don't miss this compelling exhibition at the Intermedia Gallery, CCA Glasgow, until Sunday, November 15. For more details, visit www.mhfestival.com.
