Opening Reception: Kim O’Brien – Still Standing

Join us for the opening of the Massy Gallery’s newest exhibition, Kim O’Brien’s “Still Standing”!

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Twenty years ago Kim O’Brien was twenty five; two years later, at the age of twenty seven, she had a complete mental breakdown. It took a full three years to regain any sort of life. In 2002 it felt impossible. Unable to leave her home, be left by herself or sleep, she was debilitated by anxiety. It was through the love and dedication of her partner, intensive therapy, medication, and coming face to face with her mental illness that she regained her life.

“Eighteen years ago I thought my world was over. I didn’t think it possible to come back from the brink….but it was, and I did, and I’m telling you there is light at the end of the tunnel. ‘Still Standing’ is the art show I wish I had seen twenty years ago.”

Kim O’Brien is a textile artist whose work has been shown throughout British Columbia. “Still Standing” is a physical interpretive manifestation of her mental health battles. Her hope in creating these pieces is to gently pick away at mental illness stigma, create a safe place to ask and share experience, and most importantly to let others that also suffer see that they are not alone. Originally based out of Nelson B.C., she relocated to Vancouver in 2017.

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This event is taking place on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh Nations.

Accessibility information: the Massy Gallery is currently only accessible by a flight of stairs.

Massy Books is easy to reach by transit! Close to the 22, 3, 8 and 19 bus lines at Main and Georgia/Gore and Georgia. There is metered street parking along Georgia, or lot parking at the Sun Wah Centre around the corner (268 Keefer).