The Art of Healing, Art/iculation Magazine (Fall 2018)
My visual art piece “Reaching out is a sign of strength” is part of the Fall 2018 issue of Art/iculation Magazine. This issue’s theme is “The Art of Healing.”
Although I recognize that the term “healing” can be contentious given that we continue to live in a world of oppression, I can relate to the term as we continue to imagine and work towards transformative change. This is particularly the case with respect to my art practice. Art can offer an important political outlet, expression and sharing. Indeed, as Sofia Misenheimer (editor in chief) states,
“The arts not only entertain us, they also offer opportunities to heal the body and mind. Artistic expression through writing, drawing, sculpting, dancing, singing, and much more, can provide relief from stress, pain, trauma, or illness, and help process thoughts and emotions that may otherwise remain hidden or ignored. As Black feminist writer Audre Lorde wrote of her preferred artistic medium: “Poetry is a way we help give name to the nameless so it can be thought.”1 For Lorde, composing verse offered an emotional outlet for the social injustices that she witnessed and experienced. “Art for art’s sake doesn’t really exist for me… what is beautiful has to serve the purpose of changing my life. If I cannot air this pain and alter it, I will surely die of it,” she said.2
Artistic creation can offer life-saving restoration for creators and viewers alike. Whereas creators may find distraction from pain, outlet for repressed thoughts and emotions, and enhanced feelings of self-worth, viewers can find belonging, representation, and self-affirmation in the poignant works of others. In fact, Montreal physicians launched a pilot project earlier this month—the first of its kind worldwide—to treat patients with prescription visits to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. “We know that art stimulates neural activity… if you are in contact with culture, with art, it can really help your well-being,” said Museum Director Nathalie Bondil.3
But if art is healing, then healing is also an art. The works featured in this issue reflect broadly on the myriad paths to mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. The goal of this issue is twofold: to remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles and to offer accessible ways to jumpstart your own path to healing through engagement with the arts.
The goal of this issue is twofold: to remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles and to offer accessible ways to jumpstart your own path to healing through engagement with the arts.”
The Art of Healing, Art/iculation Magazine (Fall 2018)
My visual art piece “Reaching out is a sign of strength” is part of the Fall 2018 issue of Art/iculation Magazine. This issue’s theme is “The Art of Healing.”
Although I recognize that the term “healing” can be contentious given that we continue to live in a world of oppression, I can relate to the term as we continue to imagine and work towards transformative change. This is particularly the case with respect to my art practice. Art can offer an important political outlet, expression and sharing. Indeed, as Sofia Misenheimer (editor in chief) states,
“The arts not only entertain us, they also offer opportunities to heal the body and mind. Artistic expression through writing, drawing, sculpting, dancing, singing, and much more, can provide relief from stress, pain, trauma, or illness, and help process thoughts and emotions that may otherwise remain hidden or ignored. As Black feminist writer Audre Lorde wrote of her preferred artistic medium: “Poetry is a way we help give name to the nameless so it can be thought.”1 For Lorde, composing verse offered an emotional outlet for the social injustices that she witnessed and experienced. “Art for art’s sake doesn’t really exist for me… what is beautiful has to serve the purpose of changing my life. If I cannot air this pain and alter it, I will surely die of it,” she said.2
Artistic creation can offer life-saving restoration for creators and viewers alike. Whereas creators may find distraction from pain, outlet for repressed thoughts and emotions, and enhanced feelings of self-worth, viewers can find belonging, representation, and self-affirmation in the poignant works of others. In fact, Montreal physicians launched a pilot project earlier this month—the first of its kind worldwide—to treat patients with prescription visits to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. “We know that art stimulates neural activity… if you are in contact with culture, with art, it can really help your well-being,” said Museum Director Nathalie Bondil.3
But if art is healing, then healing is also an art. The works featured in this issue reflect broadly on the myriad paths to mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. The goal of this issue is twofold: to remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles and to offer accessible ways to jumpstart your own path to healing through engagement with the arts.
The goal of this issue is twofold: to remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles and to offer accessible ways to jumpstart your own path to healing through engagement with the arts.”
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