21 September 2023/

‘HEAL WITH ART: PAINTING FOR JOY, LEARNING AND RELAXATION’ – ART THERAPY WORKSHOP AT IMS VARANASI

Creating art, beneficial in dealing with stress, anxiety or other emotional challenges – Prof. Suresh K. Nair, Faculty of Visual Arts, BHU Varanasi

The Student Wellness Cell, Office of Dean of Students in association with the Faculty of Visual Arts and Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi conducts Art Therapy Workshop — ‘Heal with Art : Painting for Joy, Learning and Relaxation’ commencing on Wednesday, 20 September 2023 at Varanasi. This unique art therapy workshop is hosted with the support and guidance of Prof. Anupam K Nema, Dean of the Students, BHU; Prof. Lalit Mohan Aggarwal, Coordinator, Student Wellness Cell of IMS and members of the organizing team including Dr. Abhishek Pathak and Nityanand Tiwari.

*Workshop in progress at Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) Varanas*i

“Creating art, primarily through painting, can be a cathartic experience. It allows one to express emotions in a non-verbal and creative way and is beneficial in dealing with stress, anxiety or other emotional challenges,” explains eminent artist Professor Suresh K. Nair, Faculty of Visual Arts, BHU.

It is a holistic and therapeutic activity that contributes to emotional well-being, personal growth and relaxation

“Painting brings a sense of accomplishment and joy. Completing a piece of artwork, regardless of skill, boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of satisfaction and pride. Painting encourages experimentation and it can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Focusing on colours, shapes and the creative process provides a break from the stress of daily life. It’s a form of mindfulness that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. It is a holistic and therapeutic activity that contributes to emotional well-being, personal growth and relaxation,” he added.

*Eminent artist Prof. Suresh K. Nair*, *Prof. Anupam K Nema, Dean of the Students, BHU, Prof. Lalit Mohan Aggarwal, Coordinator, Student Wellness Cell of IMS and members of the organizing tea*m participated in the workshop

“A variety of methods including drawing, painting, sculpture and collage with clients ranging from young children to older adults can be used in art therapy and each individual or group may need different techniques and prompts,” Prof. Suresh K. Nair explains.

Art therapy as a discipline has been widely used as a tool to explore emotions, understand conflicts or feelings that are causing distress and ill health. Learning the therapeutic and rejuvenating power of art through the Workshop by the medical students of the IMS in association with the young artists of the Department of Visual Arts, BHU explores an innovative holistic initiative.