In present day attempts to consciously deploy
the curative or healing essence of art, a few health centres including
infirmaries and convalescence centres, have been involved with the research and
adoption of art therapy. Thus clinics have been equipped with pictures (apart
from music) that will enable patients recover quickly. In children’s wards for
example, serene pictures depicting atmospheres of play and cheer are being used
just by hanging them on the walls for the patients to see all the time. This
approach is equally necessary in the adult wards. Also, super surreal pictures will go along way towards penetrating the soul of the on-looker. These kind of paintings truly engage the audience in a dialogue and conversation that touches the on the spirit. The essence of it is that the spirit man predominates the physical.
Sometimes it could be
paintings showing holiday atmosphere; serene and solitary hideouts and resorts,
etc. I emphasise paintings, and not just photographs, because the appeal of a
painted picture is always different. It is unique, more romantic, and quaint
and looking … you know, ‘created’. It could still be a quality print, i.e. the
reproduction of an original painting.
I once discussed this aspect of art with a doctor
friend of mine and he was deeply fascinated and amazed at this startling
possibilities. We should start applying this in our hospitals and clinics with
all seriousness. The use and application of this form of therapy then would
therefore actually transcend from the mundane to the subliminal essence, by
psychologists, physicians, psychiatrists and even spiritualists alike. It is
indeed a whole new world.
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| Surreal painting by Jim Warren |
And so what do we discover? It proves that no
art is without impact; and no honest art is useless or without function.
Therefore all art should not necessarily be polit
art or some expressionistic symbols with belligerent overtones. Art should
not always have to scream at you, or shout blood and depression. Some of what
some unlearned critics and uninformed patrons, and even artists, see as
pedestrian, ordinary, and lacking in function and purpose, could actually be
treasure houses of elixir, and soothing balms for the soul. I seriously think
this form of art deployment should now be seen, not as an alternative, which
will be most naïve, but rather as a complement to orthodox medical science, and
consciously applied, by enlightened or trained experts, in helping patients respond
to healing, and recuperate effectively.
Certainly, a very pungent and provoking
message in a piece of art that is aimed at social commentary will not be
healthy viewing if you are looking to ameliorating accumulated tress of a
corporate executive, daily hassles, or the urban traffic. But it will pay such
an individual better to relax in front of a beautiful and tranquil picture. It
definitely will help relax the nerves as well as lower the blood pressure. Some
of these kinds of pictures will include – nature, country landscapes,
seascapes, rhythmic abstractions or what I might call ‘painted music’, and
related concepts.
