Local artist Pete McKee and Sheffield University’s Dr Sharron Hinchliff have announced details of their Festival of the Mind collaborative exhibition, The Age of Love.
The exhibition aims to start a conversation about the intimate and sexual relationships of older people. Dr Sharron Hinchliff, who is a reader in psychology and health, has carried out research in this area since 2001. Collaborating with Pete McKee, an artist who’s touched on similar subjects throughout his career, The Age of Love will run from 20 – 30 September at the Art House on Backfields, round the corner from Barker’s Pool in Sheffield city centre.
Dr Hinchliff said: “We have evidence that intimacy and sex are important to the quality of life of many older adults. Reported benefits include those to psychological well-being, those to the relationship, and some to physical health. The likelihood of experiencing a sexual difficulty increases with older age. We know that sexual difficulties can have a negative impact on older adults’ sense of well-being and their romantic relationships.
“We also know that the topic is taboo: sex is a private issue, and mainly associated with young people. So do visit our exhibition the Age of Love at the Festival of the Mind where I and Pete McKee make the invisible visible and start a conversation about this important topic!”
As part of the exhibition, Pete McKee and Dr Hinchliff will be hosting a special talk on 23 September at the Spiegeltent on Barker’s Pool from 3pm to 4pm. Book in for the free talk here.
The Age of Love runs from 20 – 30 September, 10am – 5pm with a late opening on Wednesday 26 September closing at 8pm. To book, head to the Art House.
