Opening of Exhibition: 20th April 2023
Exhibition running until 20th September 2023
Pepney Gallery is pleased to present the online virtual exhibition titled COLOURS OF WELLBEING: ART & WELLNESS for our Spring Virtual Exhibition Show, opening 20th April 2023 at 8pm, online simultaneously on Facebook LIVE and Instagram.
Colours of Wellbeing: Art & Wellness is based around this widely spoken topic of Wellness and Wellbeing. Now, more than ever, we hear and see people speak openly about their mental health and ways to seek to improve their outlook on this important topic. For years, artists have made efforts to demonstrate their thought processes and execute through various materials their desire and need to express themselves. Be it through an interest of the topic to delve into specific theoretical investigation or the need to be free through the making of the art piece.
Wellbeing Arts encourages the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals of all ages and abilities.
It can help to boost confidence and make us feel more engaged and resilient. Besides these benefits, art engagement also alleviates anxiety, depression and stress.
Art contributes to healing because it forces you to forge a connection between your mind and your body. Unlike exercise, which works your body, or meditation, which clears your mind, art-making accesses both mind and body to promote healing.
Art can help us to emotionally navigate the journey of battling an illness or injury, to process difficult emotions in times of emergency and challenging events. The creation and enjoyment of the arts helps promote holistic wellness and can be a motivating factor in recovery.
The importance of art in health is proven because art forces the mind to slow down, to focus on the details, and it helps to block out the mind's distractions, resulting in people feeling noticeably calmer and less anxious.
In another study, cognitive neuroscientists found that creating art reduces cortisol levels (markers for stress), and that through art people can induce positive mental states.
The way we can contribute to our mental wellbeing is to connect with other people. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. Be physically active. Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Learn new skills. Give to others.Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness).
Art is good for wellbeing and can help your mental health as studies have shown that taking part in creative arts activities can benefit your mental health and wellbeing. Spending time on creative pursuits, whether that's knitting, writing a song, drawing a picture, or making music, can help boost positive moods.
Art is emotionally important because art allows the creative person, artist or student, to release stress in a healthy way. It gives them an alternative way to express themselves – either through a shared experience, or one that's more private.
Art is used to express and heal through a process called art therapy. Art therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses different types of visual arts to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of a person. It was established in the mid-20th century as a specific therapeutic field when doctors noted that mentally ill patients sometimes prefer to express themselves visually.
The artist's who were selected demonstrated the theme through illustrative, direct and abstract forms.
The artist's included are Irfan Ozince, Natalie Oliphant, Michael Wagner, Judith Mazzucco and Peter Gray
COLOURS OF WELLBEING:
ART & WELLNESS
Group Exhibition
