We are so pleased to announce and invite you to the opening party for CandleX’s Moodlab photography exhibition and panel discussion taking place Saturday 29 June at Camera Stylo, Beijing. Our goal for this occasion is to raise awareness of and educate people about mental health issues – specifically focusing on bipolar disorder – and to raise money for CandleX.

This exhibition will feature Moodlab, an intimate portrait photography series shot by Pere Ibanez profiling Beijing residents that have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In addition, the opening event will include a panel discussion, which we hope will be an open and frank conversation on the realities of bipolar disorder. To cap the evening off, we will have a raffle, for which many of our sponsors and partners from the wider Beijing business community have generously donated prizes.

We all have stories, and so do each of the photos we will present. Moodlab was created to present models’ stories with mood or bipolar disorder, as well as the reasons for wanting to learn about their moods and portray them in photos. We aim to create a healthy and open conversation thereby bridging the gap between “unwell” and “well” members to share and learn about each other. To reduce social stigma, we have to face the fear of stepping out of the box. Moodlab provides that opportunity to transform and empower our community.

The event will kick off at 6:30 pm, when guests are invited to view the art, relax on Camera Stylo’s rooftop with a drink, and maybe mingle with some new faces. At 8:00 pm we will begin our panel discussion, which we hope will be an open and frank conversation on the realities of bipolar disorder. Later on in the evening at around 8:45 pm we will draw the raffle prizes.

This exhibit represents an exciting moment for CandleX, and we are thrilled to finally be able to show these photos in our home city of Beijing. All of our work, including this exhibit, would not have been possible without your generous support for CandleX and for Beijing’s mental health community: Your presence at the event would be very much valued and appreciated.

About CandleX: We envision a world where all those affected by mental health conditions are acknowledged, accepted, and supported. We offer a safe space where English in speakers in Beijing can find support and acceptance. We host Talks & Workshops that aim to educate and empower the community in identifying and managing emotions and mental health. Our mental health support group meets fortnightly and offers a safe space where those going through depression, mania, and severe anxiety can find support.

Please use the QR codes to register for the event and donate to CandleX to ensure future community outreach events as well as our support group.