“Do not enter if you feel unwell.” “Search for the walls when you want to get out.” screamed the warnings plastered outside the Wellcome Trust’s latest exhibition States of Mind by Ann Veronica Janssens. A post-work tipple to calm the nerves appeared to be out of the question too. Joining the long queue snaking round the mysterious pink-shrouded room, I braced myself for a disorientating state of altered consciousness on an otherwise mundane Thursday after work.
Office Breaks States of Mind, Ann Veronica Janssens
“That was horrible” exclaimed a shell-shocked Pat Butcher-type as she wafted out of the mist after just a few short moments. After a thirty-five minute wait, (entry to the room works on a strictly one in, one out policy), I was a little dismayed to say the least. Was an evening exploring alternative states of mind really worth the wait or should I jump on the tube for a post-work pasty in front of the telly?
Office Breaks States of Mind – Ann Veronica Janssens
Gritting my teeth I inched towards the pink. Prior to entering, I was warned not to put my coat or bag on the floor and to look out for the walls on my return. It became clear that this would be a love or hate experience. As the pearly gates opened, I whooshed into my new alternative reality in a cloud of pink mist. Instantly, an intense sensation of drowning crashed over me as the suffocating mist invaded every sense.
Office Breaks States of Mind Ann Veronica janssens
Both cloying and invasive, the techni-colour mist creates feelings of isolation and I feel drawn to the shapes of others who fleetingly appear then recede like ghostly apparitions. Having no sense of direction, I desperately cling to the walls, terrified that I won’t be able to find my way out again.
Office Breaks States of Mind – Ann Veronica Janssens
Like a caged rat, I gingerly crawl round the walls until I slowly get a sense of the room dimensions. Once I have my bearings, the feelings of anxiety and overwhelm lessen considerably and I slowly relax into the experience. Unlike any other exhibition, the presence of others brings a strange sense of comfort and I’m drawn to the fleeting shapes around me.
Office Breaks States of Mind – Ann Veronica Janssens
There’s also a strange absence of sound to add to the other worldly-vibe. Enjoying the peace and heightened state of calm, I linger for a few more minutes before making my way towards the plastic fronds which signal the exit and my release from the chamber.
Office Breaks States of mind – Ann Veronica Janssens
Would I recommend exploring alternative States of Mind? For an experience that’s truly out of the ordinary, it’s definitely worth a visit. Whether you love it or hate it, it will certainly shake up your consciousness and provide a talking point back at the office. Team away day anyone?
States of Mind is on at the Wellcome Collection from the 15 October – 3 January 2016. Entry free. Open late on Thursdays from 10.00am-10.00pm.