What’s in an apology? When was the last time you said sorry… and meant it? What are you sorry, truly sorry about? 

Inspired by the artist’s own deeply personal experience of loss, this exhibition is centred on the powerful, restorative and healing experience of saying “I’m Sorry”.  

I’m Sorry is not about flippant apologies, taking the blame or over-apologising in fear of what others think. Instead, it’s about unburdening ourselves of guilt, reclaiming control and discovering self-esteem, without fear of conflict. It is a powerful tool for forgiveness and healing. It is introspection for the collective good to create a more compassionate world.  

McCourt invites you to step inside the safe, contemplative space of I’m Sorry. Discover raw moments of private reflection, confessions without guilt, secret ceremonials of power and meditation. Take a pilgrimage into I’m Sorry and embark on a journey of personal transformation, free from judgement, before returning to daily life.  

I’m Sorry by Annabel McCourt is a touring exhibition from Barnsley Civic. 

About the Artist 

Annabel McCourt was born in Grimsby in 1975. She is a diverse artist whose work ranges from lens-based gritty social-realism, through to installation art, moving image and architectural interventions inspired by fact, folklore & legend. For this project McCourt has gone back to her artistic roots in photography, meeting people and forming genuine connections.  

“I feel vulnerable, paired-down and honest by exhibiting this work and I am profoundly grateful to every contributor for ‘speaking’ truth to power via my camera lens” 

This project stems from McCourt’s experience of not being able to say goodbye to her father before he passed away. Holding a private ceremony to offer up an apology was a way for her move on and heal from this aspect of grief which is shared by many. McCourt recognised that creating this space for others might be a useful and profound tool.  

Presented is a series of portraits in which the participants hold a bespoke neon ‘I’m Sorry’ written in the artist’s handwriting. Each person is captured offering their own private apology to the camera. For McCourt the glow of electrified neon gas reacts uniquely with each personality as they offer their “I’m Sorry”. The neon is an evocative metaphor for these authentic moments McCourt has captured; fragile, captivating and powerful.*