Empowering connections: A bridge between individuals
Art can cultivate a healing sense of connection amongst individuals. By promoting open communication and empathy, it can construct bridges between people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
This can be explored through the work of artists like Lucian Freud and Hayv Kahraman, who have underscored the significance of connection and acceptance in their unflinching portrayals of the human body. In Kahraman’s perspective, she integrates themes of war, cultural traditions, refugee-status and “otherness” from her early upbringing in Baghdad and migration to the US. By exploring vulnerability and societal constructs of beauty, she invites us connect with both our own humanity and the collective experiences that bind us all.
In a therapeutic context, art therapy groups can nurture a sense of community and mutual support. This collaborative environment can lead to the formation of strong bonds, fostering a sense of belonging and validation, essential for emotional well-being.
Group experiences of art therapy can also be instrumental in bridging cultural and societal differences, as the language of art breaks through geographical, linguistic, and cultural barriers. By engaging in a shared creative experience, people from different backgrounds can find common ground and an appreciation for one another’s unique perspectives and experiences.
Cultivating resilience: The art of bouncing back
Creating art can play a role in cultivating resilience – our capacity to cope with and adapt to life’s challenges. By offering an outlet to process our experiences, it creates a space to release our feelings in a healthy and constructive way.
This can be seen in the works of artists like Louise Bourgeois and Anselm Kiefer, who have used their art to confront and process challenging experiences from their pasts. Bourgeois’ enigmatic sculptures frequently explore themes of childhood trauma and loss, while Kiefer’s haunting mixed-media pieces wrestle with the legacy of war and destruction.
Subject matter aside, the act of creation itself is an inherently hopeful endeavour, as we invest time and energy into something new and meaningful. This creative expression can help instil a sense of purpose and drive, even during difficult times.
Art therapy can then aid in the development of coping strategies and problem-solving skills, equipping us to better manage stress and adversity. This emotional release can increase mental clarity and heighten feelings of calm, equipping us with the tools we need to better cope with future challenges.
