Reflecting on 2025: GOMA Youth Group Exhibition “HOW ARE WE?”

In 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to exhibit my work as part of the GOMA Youth Group Exhibition “HOW ARE WE?” at the Gallery of Modern Art. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who visited the exhibition and supported the artists involved. Being able to share this work in such an important cultural space truly meant the world to me.

My artwork, Echoes Between Us, is a mixed media piece created on wooden panel. The work originated from a much larger public mural project, where members of the community were invited to contribute by drawing, writing, and expressing themselves freely. The mural became a collaborative artwork shaped by the experiences, ideas, and voices of the people who engaged with it.

For the gallery exhibition, sections of the original mural were carefully selected and transformed. I painted over parts of these panels with imagery inspired by Glasgow, creating a dialogue between individual expression, shared experiences, and the identity of the city itself. The work explores themes of connection — connection to place, to one another, and to the stories that exist within our communities.

A significant part of this experience was being involved with the GOMA Youth Group. Through this programme, I had the opportunity to meet incredibly talented and like-minded individuals who shared a passion for creativity, culture, and making a positive impact through art. The friendships and connections I developed throughout this experience are something I will always value.

Being part of the group also gave me a unique insight into the inner workings of a major gallery. It was fascinating to gain a deeper understanding of how exhibitions are developed, curated, and delivered, allowing me to look beyond the role of the artist and appreciate the many people and processes involved in bringing an exhibition to life.

Having the opportunity to exhibit my work within this space was an unforgettable milestone in my artistic journey. I am incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement, and opportunities provided through the GOMA Youth Group, and I will carry the experiences, relationships, and knowledge gained from this project forward into my future practice.