“To Us It Means” is at Artsdepot in North Finchley until November 1st reports Leïla Davaud

An art gallery with a table and chairs in the middle of the room and pictures on the walls — Credit – Bettina Adela

A powerful new exhibition exploring the meaning of freedom in the 21st century has opened at Artsdepot in North Finchley. Titled To Us It Means, the exhibition is part of a national initiative commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The exhibition, which runs until Saturday (1st November) is the result of a deeply community-focused project. Community producer and project lead Divya Satwani explains: “I engaged with people across the borough of Barnet, collecting personal reflections on what freedom means to them today.”

The project has sought out the stories of older residents to bridge the gap between historical events and contemporary experiences. The exhibition blends portrait photography and layered sound pieces by artists Bettina and Brigitte Adela.

Visitors can expect to listen to accounts from people who have fought to be free, those who continue to fight, and those who have always felt free. A unique feature is the inclusion of historical archive materials provided by Barnet Museum, such as a diaries and newspapers dating back to 1945, key artefacts to understand how times and freedom have changed.

Divya Satwani, emphasises the timely relevance of the project: “To Us It Means is a moving and collaborative project. Listening to these diverse stories in a world where liberties are often contested and unequal, especially with what’s happening around wars and immigration at the moment, has been both humbling and inspiring.”

She hopes the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on their own definition of freedom. To Divya, to be free as an individual means “having the space and capacity to express myself authentically and to feel at peace.” And from a collective point of view? “It means belonging and caring. A community that can live and thrive with dignity and joy, where every voice is heard and every person feels safe enough to exist fully.”

The exhibition is free to enter and is open daily from 11 am to 4 pm until 1st November.

More info here: https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/exhibition/to-us-it-means/

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