York is hosting a landmark cultural moment as internationally acclaimed actor, writer and artist Joseph Gilgun has chosen the city, and SPARK, for his first-ever public art installation – a large-scale, free-to-view Artwork called Talk Small, created in collaboration with The Art of Protest Gallery. The installation can be viewed at SPARK now but will be complimented by a new exhibition of Gilgun’s framed artwork at the gallery’s Walmgate space as of Friday, 21 November. 

This world-first installation marks a significant step in Gilgun’s rapidly evolving fine-art career. Over the past year, he has made a striking debut in three independent UK galleries, each exhibition met with critical and public acclaim.

Tom McKenzie, one of SPARK’s founders, said:

“Joe’s affinity for the North of the UK is deeply rooted in his personal history and creative identity. His recent work, focussing on his own struggles with mental health and raising awareness of the issue is sadly very pertinent for so many people right now. It’s our purpose as a creative space in York to champion this kind of powerful and expressive work, and to help raise awareness for a vital issue. We’re completely honoured to host this striking and important piece of public art.”

Much of Gilgun’s creative output, whether on canvas, screen or in immersive public form, is inseparable from his lived experience with bipolar disorder, anxiety, BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) and periods of depression. Long recognised as one of the most honest, unfiltered and compassionate public voices on mental health. 

Craig Humble, who has led Art of Protest Gallery over the past 8 years in York noted that 

“Joe has often described art as a form of catharsis that attempts to process the realities, fears and frustrations that accompany managing mental health conditions.

This is Joe’s first public installation  where he hopes to channel the turbulence, humour, shame, resilience and fierce defiance that have shaped his life and work. It stands as both an emotionally charged visual statement and a bold piece of outsider art; authentic, vulnerable and unmistakably his.”

The Art of Protest Gallery, located just minutes from SPARK, holds a permanent collection of Gilgun’s work, including original paintings and signed limited-edition pieces. The gallery will host an exhibition opening on November 21st, offering visitors the rare opportunity to experience the breadth of Gilgun’s artistic practice in one city.

Joseph Gilgun on Art, Mental Health and Turning Lived Experience into Creative Work

Gilgun has become widely known not only for his acting and writing but for his frank and fearless openness about mental health. In discussing the creation of Brassic, the hit series he co-wrote and stars in, he has often spoken about how closely the show mirrors his own experiences:

“Initially the show was never going to be about mental health. They knew I had bipolar and they’d seen me suffer with it. It’s difficult to hide when it gets bad. So the producer said, ‘why not give Vinnie bipolar?’

But initially I didn’t want to play him, I wanted someone else to do it. I was agoraphobic at the time, I was struggling to get out of the house and do simple tasks. I was frightened of everyone, constantly nervous and in fear. So I was writing it with someone else in mind because I just didn’t think I could.

Then it got to a stage where the production team was like, ‘You’re going to have to play him, because it’s you. It’s just you.’ We ended up writing about everything—the medicine I took, about my dad being an alcoholic—I drew from everything. Everything I am, all my worst fears, the shame I feel for this mental illness. I just thought, ‘F*ck it, let’s put it all on the TV and see what happens.’ It was terrifying.

Right up to the wire, even up to the month before filming, I doubted my ability. I rang everyone individually and said, ‘Honestly you must tell me, are we 100% sure that I’m the right choice for this?’

Honestly dude, for me it was so real. I’m going to f*ck this up and let everybody down. And fortunately I didn’t. It was quite life-changing. It’s been a massive deal.”

Gilgun’s visual art carries the same raw, humane and unfiltered honesty—part confession, part confrontation, part compassion. His installation in York continues this trajectory, offering a powerful reflection of his inner world and an invitation for others to feel seen within it.

Note to media:

Mr Gilgun himself is not available for interview or questions on this occasion.