Montreal art exhibit de-stigmatizing substance addiction
Posted November 3, 2022 9:50 pm.
Last Updated November 4, 2022 10:34 am.
Montreal artist Anthony Pecoraro, also known as Teetz is showcasing drug exploration and substance addiction in a new art exhibition “Kids on Acid” shining a light on a once taboo subject.
The exhibition is something he says has been in the works for a few years, but officially began the pieces on display in January.
The art, he says, “represent the culture of young party goers that I grew up with,”
Drawing on his own struggle of substance addiction, at 25 Pecoraro says his family held an intervention for him “it was getting out of hand,” he says. With the support that he received from family and friends he says he was able to come out of rehab and focus his time on other things. Something not a lot of people have, he adds.
The exhibition is one that Pecoraro hopes will help de-stigmatize substance abuse, so people can get help and support quicker.
“I like to be part of the generation that wants to be open with their story and raise a bit more awareness. Because like the generation before me, a lot of people were ashamed of being addicts,”
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With more awareness, the topic becomes less taboo he says, “it’s not something you should be ashamed of, but it’s something that, you should be aware of…once you’re ready to get help, it’s nice to have people who are open with their story because then you feel more comfortable,”
The art combines photography, painting. and collage, to create portraits that play on themes of beauty, destruction, and addiction.
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The exhibit runs until November 6 at l’Orignal Art Gallery (4455 St-Denis).
Pecoraro hopes it helps others who are struggling, and also opens a conversation surrounding substance abuse.
If you’re struggling and need help, reach out:
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact 911
