It's ok not to be ok - Richard Fahey

'It's ok not to be ok, check in on one another'

1980

Acrylic on board 

Richard Fahey is a senior lecturer in Design and Contemporary Arts at Unitec, Auckland. His research activity is focused on material culture of Aotearoa. As an independent writer, critic and advocate, he addresses contemporary cultural production and its reception via the historical and institutional contexts of education, critical discourse, collection and exhibition.

This painting by Richard has, for many viewers, caused a sense of unease. What is the boy feeling? What is he experiencing? Is he okay? 

“Judgement on the painting will vary but when its somewhat unusual format is accepted it will be seen as an effective piece of design” - Rodney Hamel - Teacher 1963 - 2000

Richard’s painting is relevant to our community as we seek to foster young people who accept that everyone will experience, and be vulnerable to, a wide range of emotions at certain times in their lives. As we look to better support, understand and accept mental and emotional well-being as a society, Richard’s work can be a reminder to all that, from time to time, “it’s okay to not be okay” and the importance of checking in with one another.

Richard is a Collegian of St Paul’s Collegiate School (School 1977 - 1980).

Location: Quad Walkway (Hamilton Campus)