Former addicts are opening up through ‘Progress not Perfection’, an art exhibition that will take place at Debut Contemporary gallery in Notting Hill, London, from 15th - 21st October 2015. The project is ideated and curated by London-based artist originally from Slovakia, Daniela Raytchev.

“Addiction is an illness and should be treated as one”

Addiction is a state characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. The purpose of Raytchev's project ‘Progress not Perfection’ is to raise awareness of this condition, pass on the positive message of strength and hope for the possibility that one can change and to lose the stigma and judgments that come with it. The project will show that there are many people who have overcome their addictions. It is nothing to feel ashamed about and many times the experience can be profound in creating new values in people’s lives.

“Progress not Perfection” is being held in support of Beat, the UK’s leading charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders or difficulties with food, weight and shape, for which Raytchev has been chosen as their Selected Artist for 2015. The project, co-curated by Barry Martin, has already caught the attention of celebrities such as Gok Wan, Jeff Leach, Kevin Dooley, Gail Porter and others who are supporting the idea of raising awareness as well as showing that recovery is possible. Her show has been selected as one of the Top Frieze parties at the Media Eye. Debut Contemporary and Rug Designer have collaborated this September to bring a rug design competition where Daniela has participated with her painting ‘There is no order without chaos, Gok Wan’ beautifully transferred into a hand tufted wool rug. In addition as part of this collection, as a multifaceted artist, Daniela has collaborated as well with Purling London, a luxury brand specialised in chess sets. Her chess set has been selected to participate in the exhibition ‘Ladie’s Knight: A Female Perspective on Chess’ at the World Chess Hall of Fame, where artists such as Yoko Ono, Barbara Kruger or Sophie Matisse among others show their interpretation of this old game.

"I love this project as it breaks down the myths of addiction. To learn about oneself is not a job, it’s a right - Thank you ‘D’. x” Gok Wan

This extraordinary exhibition will expose through abstract portraits the whole spectrum of addictions and unify them under one roof, simple yet effective way of showing that no matter what the symptoms are, they are all the same illness. In each individual work, Raytchev shares part of herself, as well as, an honest interpretation of what she sees in an attempt to relate and reflect on emotions that can arise as a result of conflict. Her artistic ethos is to address certain social stigmas through art, such as addiction and abuse and to create visual interpretations of the psychological and physical effects these conflicts can have. Her paintings have a refreshing honesty, exploring personal narratives that are executed with artistic finesse.

“Art is the only thing that truly gives me freedom from the darkness that riddles my mind. It seemed right to support an artistic exploration into that darkness.” Jeff Leach, actor/ comedian

“As we know addiction is a disease and addicts in particular need the support of other addicts in order to recover. In a wider sense, society as a whole has a responsibility towards the most vulnerable. Any visibility and awareness that can bring about a societal change wherein people actually start to care for and relate to those fighting addiction can only be for the better.” Kirsty F, participant