A bold new exhibition opening at The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon on 29 November serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that emerges when we embrace difference.
Beyond Barriers: Diverse Threads of Resilience brings together the work of three different artists who are exhibiting together as a collective for the first time in this thought-provoking exhibition.
Suzie Larke, Rachel Gadsden and Rach Wellbeing are three contemporary artists who are united in their common exploration of themes related to disability, identity, connection and strength. Working through a diverse mix of mediums including paint, photography, video and sound, this new exhibition promises to be an arresting and immersive experience.
Rach Wellbeing is a neurodiverse, Romany, and disabled artist. She’s an avid arts activist who champions inclusion and accessibility as well as sustainability through her work. Her current semi-autobiographical work has evolved from an earlier career working in commercial animation and design for companies including Nintendo, Kellogg’s, Harrods and Topshop.
Rachel Gadsden is a leading British visual and performance artist and disability cultural activist who exhibits and performs her art nationally and internationally. Her artworks are represented in private and major art collections in the UK and abroad, including The Royal Collection, UK Parliament, Mandela’s Walk to Freedom, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, The National Paralympic Heritage Trust and Hyundai.
Suzie Larke is a visual artist and photographer based in Cardiff. The works on display at the museum form part of the series, In the Mind’s Eye, a project aiming to raise awareness and break through the stigma surrounding mental health and depression. It was funded by Arts Council Wales, with backing from Mind Cymru, Disability Arts Wales and Time to Change.
Beyond Barriers Art Collective, as the three are now known, formed through friendship, shared experience, and creative dialogue. Together they show how art is not only about the transformation of materials but also about the transformation of perspectives. Their vibrant multimedia works demonstrate how barriers can become the very bridges that connect us.
Rach Wellbeing of the Beyond Barriers Art Collective said: "Not everything in life is obvious at first glance — resilience, identity, even beauty can be found in the places we least expect. Through our collective work, we want to show how, when we embrace our differences, they can become a source of strength, transformation and inspiration."
Alison Mills, Director of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon said: "It’s an honour to be hosting the work of Suzie Larke, Rachel Gadsden and Rach Wellbeing here in Barnstaple – three artists dedicated to championing diversity and inclusion through powerful artistic practices that will transform all of those who encounter them.
"These three widely acclaimed artists came together through a realisation of their common values, and through a realisation of the power that their united voice could have. It’s what made our Community Gallery at the museum the ideal location for their first collective show. It’s a space dedicated to exhibitions that have been co-curated with the community, whether individuals and collectives, or local groups and organisations.
"Beyond Barriers: Diverse Threads of Resilience is an exhibition that perfectly fulfils one of the original intentions of the space – to bring the diverse voices that make up community to the fore. We hope as many people as possible will visit this important exhibition over the festive season.”
There is an open invitation to join the artists and special guests in celebrating the opening of Beyond Barriers: Diverse Threads of Resilience on Friday 5 December, 5-7pm.
The exhibition runs until Saturday 17 January 2026. Admission is free.
For further details including festive opening hours, visit barnstaplemuseum.org.uk.