North East artist turns mental-health recovery into a powerful art exhibition
Sunderland Culture is hosting Finding Colour, a solo show by self‑taught painter Karen Hughes that turns personal mental‑health recovery into a visual dialogue. Over twenty mixed‑media pieces guide visitors from stark black‑and‑white beginnings toward bursts of colour, suggesting that hope can surface even in the darkest moments.
Hughes, 47, began the body of work while undergoing therapy after a series of intense life stresses – the loss of her sister, caring for a husband with long‑COVID, and supporting neurodiverse children. She describes the collection as 'a reflection of recovery, growth and the quiet strength it takes to begin again,' using each brushstroke to capture emotions that words could not.
The series is anchored by recurring motifs of butterflies, colour and movement. Butterflies symbolize transformation, vivid hues stand for hope, and the kinetic layering of paint conveys change. The visual narrative expands outward, inviting viewers to witness a gradual emergence of light from a muted palette.
Interaction is built into the show. A large black canvas invites visitors to add a word, colour splash or symbol that reflects their own response, and the resulting contribution will be taken home by Hughes as a reminder of shared experience. A social‑media competition also encourages attendees to selfie with their favourite piece, offering a chance to win an original artwork.
By opening this intimate conversation, Hughes hopes that even a single connection will spark another pocket of colour for anyone feeling isolated, reinforcing the idea that creative expression can be both personal therapy and communal support.