By Tyler Wright
‘Man Overboard’ is a phrase seafarers yell when one of their peers has fallen into deep waters below; a plea for help when one of their own is in dire straits.
It is also the title of a new exhibition coming to Selby Community House on Friday 28 October, encouraging men in the Yarra Ranges to call for support when they are struggling with their mental and physical health.
Seven local male artists aged between 30 and 70 have created multimedia works; ranging from collage, oil paintings and illustrations to copper and brass sculptures, showcasing a wide range of experiences including one man’s journey of chemotherapy treatment for facial cancer and an emerging artist who has found solace within art therapy.
The idea for ‘Man Overboard’ came from Selby Community House’s engagement with people who were impacted by Covid-19, and statistics from a free Mental Health First Aid course on men’s mental health and suicide rates provided by Yarra Ranges Council.
Selby Community House found a “huge discrepancy” between how men speak about their mental heath in comparison to women; and recognise the “fatal effects” of poor mental health, Selby Community House community engagement coordinator Jordan Sibley said.
“The reality is – it’s not actually that men have less mental health issues, it’s that our culture doesn’t provide an atmosphere for that discussion,” Sibley said.
“Having more things that provide a platform that encourages people to really look at the value of men’s mental and physical health, will assist in that ongoing discussion.”
High resolution photos of the artworks created by men in the Yarra Ranges will be for sale, with 100 per cent of the proceeds injected into the Belgrave Men’s Shed.
“That’s our way of: one, supporting the Men’s Shed, but also reflecting on how important these hubs are for men to meet together, have companionship and also share information about their health and well being,” Sibley said.
Selby CFA members will be providing sausages at the ‘Man Overboard’ exhibition opening on Friday 28 October from 6pm to 7pm, with local male act ‘Yee-Haw’ performing live music and a light platter of food provided.
Artists from the exhibition will also be giving a free 20 minute presentation on Saturday 12 November from 11am to 12pm Belgrave Library, discussing their artistic practice and how their work relates to the topic of men’s health.
Selby Community House is located at 2/1 Minak Road in Selby.
