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Bridge Over Troubled Water: New Exhibition at Bethlem Gallery

Bridge Over Troubled Water is Bethlem Hospital resident Barrington’s first solo exhibition, running from 8 February until 2 March 2012. It showcases his large-scale vibrant water colours depicting imaginary scenes drawn from his experiences growing up in Jamaica and England. The artist’s unusual style combines a naive visual language with meticulously repeated vistas and scenery.

Barrington’s prolific output has been recognised and bought by outsider arts collections and individuals and he recently exhibited in the Museum of Everything at Selfridges and will be appearing on BBC 3 programme A L Kennedy: Art and Madness in April. Barrington says “my work means a lot to me because it relaxes me and makes me happy when I am sad. I find that painting opens my mind and helps me to express myself. I have been painting for 15 years but the first 5 years was not great. Whilst in hospital I started an art course, I found it very interesting and I have developed skills which have helped me in painting. From then I have not stopped painting.”

Bethlem Royal Hospital has a strong arts programme within Occupational Therapy across the site providing an impressive range of creative facilities. Highly trained arts staff run weekly sessions combining their specialist technical skills with a welcoming and open environment. The arts sessions are open to all patients across the hospital, some patients are established artists who simply want to use the studios to continue their practice during their stay, whilst for some it's their first time in an art studio.

Exhibition details:

Opening Event: 8th February, 3 - 6pm

Exhibition continues: 9th February – 2nd March

Opening times: Wed, Thurs, Friday, 11am – 6pm

Gallery & Museum open Saturday 11th February, 11am - 6pm

Address: The Bethlem Gallery, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3BX