Unveiling the unspoken canvas
by andrew kuwornu
supported by the horsfall and manchester independents
A powerful and deeply personal exhibition by Andrew Kuwornu. Through his use of acrylics and mixed media, Andrew explores the often-silenced struggles faced by Black men in relation to mental health. His work confronts issues such as suicide, toxic masculinity, societal pressures, and the stigma surrounding emotional expression.
The exhibition offers a visceral experience, with each piece unfolding like a narrative. As you journey through the artwork, you’ll encounter increasingly darker tones and complex textures, reflecting the weight of these themes. Andrew's intention is not only to highlight these struggles but also to encourage healing, empathy, and shared vulnerability.
"Unveiling the Unspoken Canvas" invites viewers to reflect on the stories being told and to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, emotional expression, and societal pressures. Through this exhibition, Andrew aims to challenge norms, foster understanding, and create a space for dialogue and connection.
Come, experience the art, feel its weight, and reflect on the untold stories within. Let’s work together to break the barriers that silence emotional expression and spark change through conversation.
The exhibition offers a visceral experience, with each piece unfolding like a narrative. As you journey through the artwork, you’ll encounter increasingly darker tones and complex textures, reflecting the weight of these themes. Andrew's intention is not only to highlight these struggles but also to encourage healing, empathy, and shared vulnerability.
"Unveiling the Unspoken Canvas" invites viewers to reflect on the stories being told and to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, emotional expression, and societal pressures. Through this exhibition, Andrew aims to challenge norms, foster understanding, and create a space for dialogue and connection.
Come, experience the art, feel its weight, and reflect on the untold stories within. Let’s work together to break the barriers that silence emotional expression and spark change through conversation.
I'm a Manchester-based artist originally from Ghana, working mainly in acrylic. Since starting my self-taught practice in 2022 as a form of personal therapy, I've expanded into mixed media, incorporating collage and textiles. Living with glaucoma has shaped my focus on the tactile quality of my work, inviting a deeper sensory connection.
My art explores themes close to my heart, including men's mental health, gender roles, and the cultural influences of my Ghanaian upbringing.
- Andrew Kuwornu
Unveiling the unspoken canvas vol.2 exhibition by andrew kuwornu
Join us for
"Unveiling the Unspoken Canvas Vol. 2" Art Exhibition by Andrew Kuwornu
🗓Date: 2nd-11th July ⏰ Time: Please see details for each day
📍 Venue: The Horsfall, 87-91 Great Ancoats Street, M4 5AG
"Unveiling the Unspoken Canvas Vol. 2" Art Exhibition by Andrew Kuwornu
🗓Date: 2nd-11th July ⏰ Time: Please see details for each day
📍 Venue: The Horsfall, 87-91 Great Ancoats Street, M4 5AG
Book your ticket for the day and time you wish to attend via Eventbrite here.
2nd July: Launch event, 4-8pm
3rd July: 2-6pm
4th July: 2-5pm
5th July 1-5pm
9th July 2-5pm
10th July 2-5pm1
1th July 2-5pm
Tickets are free to book.
Any donations are welcome and as a charity this supports our ongoing work with young people across Greater Manchester.
2nd July: Launch event, 4-8pm
3rd July: 2-6pm
4th July: 2-5pm
5th July 1-5pm
9th July 2-5pm
10th July 2-5pm1
1th July 2-5pm
Tickets are free to book.
Any donations are welcome and as a charity this supports our ongoing work with young people across Greater Manchester.
andrew kuwornu on the importance of creative spaces and art in supporting wellbeing and mental health
Ensuring the video plays well:
On an android: Tap the three dots at the top of the screen when the video is selected Then make sure the quality is set to 2160s If you can - choose watch in VR On a laptop: Click the settings button and choose to play back in 2160s 4K |
Film Credits
Andrew Kuwornu - Artist-in-residence The Horsfall 42nd Street Sagitta Media Exhibition Andrew Kuwornu - Artist-in-residence The Horsfall 42nd Street Manchester Independents |
About the supporting organisations
Manchester Independents
"Manchester Independents is a biennial showcase for independent Greater Manchester artists. Running alongside and supported by Manchester International Festival, in 2025 it will offer opportunities for GM artists to present their work to the influx of audiences + professionals visiting the city. Supported by over 30 GM organisations with cash and resources, It features new commissions selected by an artist panel alongside an open platform for GM artists to profile their work." https://manchesterindependents.org/
42nd Street and The Horsfall
42nd Street is an innovative Greater Manchester young people’s mental health charity with over 42 years’ experience of providing free and confidential services to young people who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. 42nd Street’s vision is for inclusive, accessible mental health and wellbeing support and opportunities for all young people. Our shared mission is to support young people with their emotional well-being and mental health by offering a choice of effective, creative, young person-centred and rights based approaches. By demonstrating local impact with national significance, we drive meaningful change that makes a positive difference to the lives of young people.
The Horsfall is our creative venue where we offer our creative programme to support emotional wellbeing and mental health:
We believe that everyone can be creative and that creativity has a profound benefit on mental health and wellbeing and so our bespoke gallery space and programme -curated by young people- offers unique opportunities for young people to work alongside established and emerging artists to explore and share their stories, challenge the status quo and express themselves.