Carlisle artist JYMA will hold an exhibition at Carlisle Cathedral later this month, thanks to charity Prism Arts.
Faith, Art & Me explores the artist’s creative and spiritual journey over many years and how he believes faith can provide a grand, unifying meaning to the universe.
JYMA is 33 and is keen to share his journey with mental health, neurodiversity and the role that faith has played throughout his adult life.
He said: “I want this exhibition to show the world what and who I am. If someone with autism can create all this, then you can too.”
The artist has struggled with periods of mental health crisis in the past which is referenced within the exhibition’s artwork.
He credits faith and art as aiding in his recovery. JYMA said: “I hope the exhibition shows the best of my art and how far I’ve come. I’m not always good at speaking at public so art in a way helps me communicate what I would otherwise find impossible.”
Since 2012, JYMA has been a visual and performing artist and emerging playwright at Prism Arts in Carlisle.
Prism Arts is a neurodivergent artist collective that works throughout Cumbria to support and celebrate learning disabled and autistic talent through enriching creative programmes. This exhibition has been co-curated by JYMA and Prism Arts trustee Jennifer Gilbert, of Jennifer Lauren Gallery.
The exhibition will be held from Tuesday May 21 to Sunday June 2 during cathedral opening hours and is free to all visitors.
There will be artwork and cards designed by JYMA available to buy in the cathedral shop, including original etchings by the artist.
Faith, Art & Me: a solo exhibition by JYMA has received £4,996 from the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
