Posted on 31 July 2025:
COLORS OF EMOTIONS: ART THERAPY WORKSHOP
Healing Through Colors: BHU’s Art Therapy Workshop Sparked Joy on 26th July
On 26th July 2025, the Student Welfare Centre Seminar Hall at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi came alive with the hues of emotion and creativity during the “Colors of Emotions” Art Therapy Workshop.
Guided by internationally acclaimed artist and Assistant Professor Suresh K. Nair from the Department of Painting, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), the session welcomed students into a world where feelings found expression on canvas.
Organized by the Wellbeing Services Cell, the three-hour experience blended mindfulness, color play and personal reflection—helping participants discover calm, connection and inner joy. It wasn’t just a workshop; it was a celebration of healing, self-discovery and the quiet power of art.
Art That Heals: Where Creativity Meets Calm
According to a 2016 study published in the journal of the American Art Therapy Association, less than one hour of creative activity —no matter your skill level—can ease stress and uplift mental wellbeing. With a brush, a melody or a sculpted form can bring gentle relief to a heavy heart.
Unlike art classes that focus on technique, art therapy turns the spotlight inward, inviting people of all ages to explore emotions, not perfection. It’s not about creating masterpieces, but about finding peace in the process.
Research even shows that art in hospital spaces fosters safety, connection and a sense of identity—proof that the mere presence of art can be a quiet companion in healing.
“ I am delighted to witness the positive impact of the Art Therapy Workshop. Through art, students met themselves to explore emotions through creative expression, an approach deeply rooted in psychological healing. Prof. Suresh K. Nair’s expert facilitation helped students connect with themselves in new ways, and the interactive activities encouraged self-reflection and emotional release. Such initiatives are essential for fostering holistic student development, and I’m proud to support journeys that bring wellness through creative expressions.” — Prof. Nishat Afroz, Associate Dean of Students (Student Development), BHU.
“I thought therapy meant complexity—but this workshop proved that healing could be simple, playful and powerful. With just pencil and paper, we stretched, sketched and rediscovered ourselves. Prof. Nair Sir made it simple, yet powerful; starting with hand-stretching exercises followed by spontaneous sketches and exploring textures, lines and shapes through fun prompts like drawing a teacher’s angry face. For me, it wasn’t just art—it was deeply soulful, grounding, playful and refreshing.” — Arpita Halder, Student of Certificate Course in Painting, BHU.
Through painting, music, drawing and theater, participants tapped into the quiet magic of creative expression.
Art is not just decoration—it’s discovery — Prof. Suresh K. Nair
“For many of us, this workshop was more than an art session—it was a quiet space to feel whole again. As we sketched and shared, we discovered that healing can begin with something as simple as a pencil and presence.” — Reflections from a talented participant.
Each stroke, sound and movement became a bridge to clearer thinking, kinder understanding, and stronger inner balance. What seemed like playful moments bloomed into deeper focus, better communication, and a graceful sense of self-control—proof that art, in all its forms, is a true healer.
“Art is a language of learning, alive with emotion and intellect; the arts offer powerful tools for understanding the world, just like mathematics or literature,” affirmed Professor Suresh K. Nair of BHU, reflecting on insights from recent research including the Bowen & Kisida, 2019; Fernandes et al., 2018; Medina & Barraza 2019; Zhao & Kuhl (2016).
Prof. Nishat Afroz, Associate Dean of Students (Student Development), and Prof. Anupam K. Nema, Dean of Students, BHU, graced the event with their gentle encouragement and heartfelt words.
