My Health, My Right: The Transformative Power of Art in Promoting Well-Being and Personal Development for World Health Day
My Health, My Right: The Transformative Power of Art in Promoting Well-Being and Personal Development for World Health Day
By Dr Joshua Y’Barbo (April 2024)
Introduction
As an artist-in-residence for the TEAM LEWIS Foundation, I focus on researching the intersections of the creative and communication industries. As such, my work involves writing about important social and sustainability issues within art and culture. This month hosts World Health Day, and the 2024 theme is 'My health, my right', emphasising everyone's right to have access to quality health services, education, and information. Considering this theme, it's essential to recognise the significant social impact of art in enhancing well-being and empowering individuals to demand their right to good health.
Art has the potential to contribute to World Health Day through its profound influence on personal well-being and its role in advocating for health-related human rights. According to Elenora Belfiore and Oliver Bennet, the arts have two primary functions that deliver social impact: Personal Well-Being, Education and Self-Development. The arts benefit personal well-being by providing art-as-experiences, either making art or appreciating art, and art-as-play, characterised by some element of fun, a primary ‘category of life’ we all relate to in some way (Belfiore and Bennet 2008, 2010, p. 98-99). Additionally, art serves as a form of therapy, offering individuals a means of expressing themselves and promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Art's impact on personal growth and development is particularly evident in its influence on self-development through education. Belfiore and Bennet discuss the social impact of the arts through education and self-development, drawing from the Renaissance ‘[…] idea that arts and literature are a means to educate and instruct through pleasure and enjoyment’ (Belfiore and Bennet, 2008, 2010, p. 114). This suggests that art provides physical and mental benefits and a source of satisfaction and gratification while facilitating learning and self-improvement.
Therefore, art can significantly impact good health by fostering well-being, education, and individual development. This can be achieved by visually expressing disabilities, empowering mental health, visualising grief to heal and grow, developing and increasing civil rights, and helping adults and children grow through artistic development.
The Right to Access Quality Health Services and the Role of Art
Art is crucial in advocating for health-related human rights by serving as a visual expression and awareness platform. It effectively addresses issues related to disabilities, mental health, and social justice, promoting awareness and accessibility to quality health services. For example,
Art vastly contributes to our growth by stimulating our senses, awakening our creative skills, and visually expressing conditions of our very existence. It can be used to impact our personal growth by allowing us to express, voice, and heal through various different art forms.
Artsee.app.com (2020)
Through visual imagery, art can change public opinion, raise awareness of political and social issues, and advocate for the rights of marginalised communities. Art initiatives such as community murals, art therapy programs, and public art installations have successfully addressed health disparities and promoted inclusivity.
Moreover, art allows individuals to communicate, express themselves, and find healing and closure. In addition, the role of art in promoting physical and mental health is significant. Engaging in creative activities has been shown to relieve stress, aid communication, and help prevent cognitive decline. Art engagement has also been linked to alleviating anxiety, depression, and stress while fostering resilience, confidence, and social engagement. According to the Welsh NHS Confederation (2018),
Access to arts opportunities and participation in the arts can dramatically improve health outcomes and well-being, counter inequalities and increase social engagement. As a supplement to medicine and care, the evidence suggests that engagement with the arts can improve a person’s physical and mental well-being. The benefits of arts activities are being seen beyond traditional settings, and their role in supporting communities and individuals who would otherwise be excluded is increasingly being recognised.
Arts opportunities and participation in the arts significantly impact health outcomes, well-being, and social engagement. Engagement with the arts can dramatically improve both physical and mental well-being and serve as a supplement to traditional medicine and care. Additionally, art activities are increasingly recognised for supporting communities and individuals who may otherwise be excluded. Finally, arts are an essential tool for addressing inequalities and promoting social engagement, suggesting that the benefits of arts activities extend beyond conventional settings and positively impact overall health and well-being.
Empowerment through Art: Visual Depictions of Disabilities and Mental Health
The visual expression of disabilities through art serves as a powerful tool for empowerment and societal change. People with physical disabilities are frequently viewed through a lens of pity rather than being fully understood, leading to a sense of confinement within their bodies, often overlooked and underserved. According to Art See (2020),
Throughout history, famous artists displayed individuals without arms, as crippled beggars, or those stricken with outward illnesses like leapers. When disabled individuals take up art, they soon learn how to express themselves in society. They help to teach society to see them differently - as human beings with the same emotions. They are viewed as people who want the same things out of life as everyone else.
Through art, disabled individuals can convey their experiences and emotions, challenging societal perceptions and teaching others to see them as equals with the same desires and aspirations. By portraying their own narratives, they play a crucial role in reshaping societal attitudes towards disabilities, fostering empathy, and promoting inclusivity. This form of artistic expression empowers individuals and contributes to a more compassionate and understanding society.
Empowerment through art is exemplified by the visual expression of disabilities and mental health, with numerous artists using their work to support awareness and advocacy. One such artist is Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who, despite his own physical limitations, depicted the vibrant social life of late 19th-century Paris, shedding light on the lives of individuals with disabilities. Another artist, Yinka Shonibare, addresses themes of physical disability and mental health in his work, using his own experiences as inspiration to challenge societal perceptions. Additionally, Stephen Wiltshire, known for his intricate cityscape drawings, has autism and has become a powerful advocate for individuals with disabilities.
Vincent Van Gogh, Charlotte Johnson Wahl, and Yayoi Kusama are great examples of artists who have significantly impacted mental health through their art. Their work has shown the power of art in improving cognition, providing a means to express negative emotions, and enabling individuals to tell their stories in a healing and symbolic manner. Van Gogh's expressive and emotive paintings, Johnson Wahl's intricate and symbolic art, and Kusama's immersive and therapeutic installations all showcase how art can be a tool for mental well-being. Their contributions have been instrumental in highlighting the importance of art in promoting mental health and well-being. Through their art, these artists have contributed to a greater understanding of disabilities and mental health, empowering individuals and communities to embrace diversity and advocate for inclusivity.
Healing and Growth: Art to Express and Overcome Grief and Adversity
Art is a powerful tool for visualising grief and resilience, which is therapeutic in processing trauma and emotional struggles. Through artistic expression, individuals can externalise and process complex emotions, creating a tangible representation of their experiences. For example,
When you are involved in an art form as you are suffering or have suffered a sorrowful time, it allows you to memorialize the event. Art also makes the loss more visible. It captures the person or event that caused the grief. […] This craft helps to shield you against the grief and silence that your body wanted to hide from. Oddly though art comforts both the artists and a viewer. A viewer is able to recognize themselves in others.
Artseeapp.com (2020)
Art has long been recognised as a powerful tool for visualising grief and promoting resilience when faced with life-changing trauma or events. Notable examples include Edvard Munch's iconic painting, The Scream (1895), which vividly captures the anguish and despair of the human condition, and Stephen Newton's The Wake (2018), which explores themes of loss and remembrance. Additionally, Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg's installation, In America: How Could this Happen… (2022) serves as a poignant representation of collective grief and resilience in the wake of national tragedy. These artists' works not only express personal experiences of grief but also resonate with audiences on a universal level, offering solace and a sense of shared humanity. Through their art, these creators demonstrate the transformative potential of creative expression in processing and transcending adversity, inspiring healing and growth in themselves and others.
Art, Civil Rights, and Advocacy for World Health
Art has played a significant role in contributing to civil rights movements and healthcare advocacy by serving as a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting social change. Through visual representations and creative expressions, art has been instrumental in highlighting marginalised communities' struggles and challenges, thus advocating for their rights to quality healthcare and equal treatment. For example,
Art portrays one event and one image at a time during varying cultural civil rights movements. Whether it is artwork from Auschwitz, Martin Luther King marches, the China movement in Tiananmen Square, etc., these were visual images that changed public opinion. […] Art brings forth these images and […] remind us that we cannot take people for granted nor can we allow others to be marginalized.
Artseeapp.com (2020)
Art can evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and provoke dialogue, making it a potent medium for shedding light on social injustices and advocating for policy changes. By portraying the experiences of individuals with disabilities and addressing mental health issues, art has the potential to influence public opinion, foster empathy, and ultimately drive societal and political action in support of healthcare equality and civil rights. Whether through public installations, community murals, or art therapy programs, art has proven to be an effective means of amplifying voices, inspiring solidarity, and instigating meaningful progress in the realms of civil rights and healthcare advocacy.
Art has been a powerful tool for advocating for health-related social justice issues, especially in the realm of civil rights. Notable examples include Will Count’s photograph, Elizabeth Eckford of The Little Rock Nine (1954), David Hammons’ The Door (Admissions Office) (1969), and Barkley L. Hendricks’ Lawdy Mama (1969). These artworks have effectively shed light on the challenges in accessing quality health services and education and stereotypical representation in art by Black and marginalised communities. Count’s photograph captured the resilience of Elizabeth Eckford in the face of adversity, symbolising the struggle for equal access to health and education. Hammons’ The Door made a powerful statement about racial discrimination and its impact on individuals' well-being. Similarly, Hendricks’ Lawdy Mama celebrated the strength and beauty of the Black woman, challenging stereotypes and advocating for better social outcomes for marginalised communities. These instances demonstrate how art can be a catalyst for social change and a powerful advocate for sustainable development in civil rights issues, including access to good education and health, and fair representation in cultural institutions.
Nurturing Young Minds: Artistic Development and Child Well-being
Artistic development is crucial in nurturing young minds and promoting holistic development in children. Engaging in creative activities such as drawing, painting, and sculpting enhances children's creativity and imagination and contributes to their cognitive, emotional, and social development. For example, ‘Art helps their personal growth through enhancing their motor skills, in language development, in decision-making, visual/cultural awareness, creativeness, and improved academic achievement’ (artseeapp.com 2020). Through art, children learn to express themselves, build confidence, and develop critical thinking skills. Art also fosters fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness, which are essential for overall physical development. Furthermore, artistic expression encourages children to explore their emotions and understand the world around them, promoting emotional intelligence and empathy. Overall, art plays a significant role in nurturing young minds and supporting their well-being by providing a platform for self-expression, creativity, and personal growth.
Art programs and initiatives are crucial in nurturing young minds and promoting child well-being through artistic expression. For instance, Pippa Hale’s Play Rebellion (2019-2020), the group exhibition titled The Playground Project (2016), and Pester & Rossi’s Infinity Pitch, Play by your own rules (2018) at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art have been instrumental in providing children with opportunities to engage in creative and imaginative activities. These initiatives encourage children to explore their artistic abilities, foster their cognitive and motor skills, and promote self-expression. By offering a platform for children to play and create freely, these programs contribute to the overall well-being of children and provide them with valuable skills that can positively impact their personal development. Additionally, these initiatives highlight the significance of art in enhancing children's creativity, confidence, and emotional expression, ultimately contributing to their holistic growth and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, art significantly contributes to World Health Day by enhancing individual well-being, advocating for health-related human rights, and promoting mental and emotional health. Its ability to provide pleasure, express diverse perspectives, and advocate for social change makes it a powerful tool in promoting the right to good health for all. As we celebrate World Health Day, let us recognise and harness the transformative power of art in promoting and advocating for the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. I encourage everyone to support and engage with art initiatives that contribute to public health, as these efforts can profoundly impact society's overall well-being.
References
american.edu. (2020). Mortality: A Survey of Contemporary Death Art. Curated by Donald Kuspit (Assisted by Robert Curcio). Originally scheduled April 4-May 24, 2020. This exhibition was cancelled to contain the spread of COVID-19 in 2020. Available [online] at: https://images.app.goo.gl/onSj5xWqn4hr2y8c8 [accessed 15 April 2024].
archive.baltic.art. (nd). Baltic: Archive. Available [online] at: https://archive.baltic.art/ [accessed 17 April 2024].
archive.baltic.art. (2018). Pester & Rossi: Infinity Pitch. 24 March 2018 - 15 April 2018. Available [online] at: https://archive.baltic.art/?search=Playground+Project#/exhibition/pester--rossi-infinity-pitch-ex249 [accessed 17 April 2024].
archive.baltic.art. (2020). Play Rebellion: Pippa Hale. 12 October 2019 – 23 February 2020. Available [online] at: https://archive.baltic.art/#/exhibition/play-rebellion-pippa-hale-ex271 [accessed 17 April 2024].
archive.baltic.art. (2016). The Playground Project. 15 July 2016 – 30 October 2016. Available [online] at: https://archive.baltic.art/?search=Playground+Project#/exhibition/the-playground-project-ex225 [accessed 17 April 2024].
Artsee.app.com. (2020). 5 Powerful Ways Art Can Impact Your Personal Growth. Available [online] at: https://artseeapp.com/blog/five-powerful-ways-art-impact-personal-growth [accessed 11 April 2024].
Artsy.net. (nd). David Hammons: The Door (Admissions Office), 1969. Available [online] at: https://www.artsy.net/artwork/david-hammons-the-door-admissions-office [accessed 17 April 2024].
Belfiore, E. and Bennet, O. (2008, 2010). The Social Impact of the Arts: An Intellectual History. Palgrave Macmillian: London.
charlottejohnsonwahl.com. (nd). About. Available [online] at: https://www.charlottejohnsonwahl.com/about/ [accessed 15 April 2024].
Michael, C. (2010). Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864–1901). Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays. Metmuseum.org. Available [online] at: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/laut/hd_laut.htm [accessed 15 April 2024].
Moma.org. (nd). Calendar / Exhibitions. Available [online] at: https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/1305 [accessed 15 April 2024].
Reneau, A. (2022). Elizabeth Eckford made history at age 15. Here's the full story behind the iconic photo. Upworthy.com. Available [online] at: https://www.upworthy.com/elizabeth-eckford-civil-rights-movement [accessed 17 April 2024].
Scma.smith.edu. (2020). Lawdy Mama (1969): Celebrating The Ordinariness of Black Women in ‘Black Refractions'. Available [online] at: https://scma.smith.edu/blog/lawdy-mama-1969-celebrating-ordinariness-black-women-black-refractions [accessed 17 April 2024].
Stephenwiltshire.co.uk. (nd). Stephen Wiltshire: British Architectural Artist. Available [online] https://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/ [accessed 15 April 2024].
suzannefirstenberg.com. (2021). In America: Remember. Available [online] at: https://www.suzannefirstenberg.com/in-america-remember [accessed 15 April 2024].
Tate.org. (nd). Yinka Shonibare CBE. Art and Artists. Available [online] at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/yinka-shonibare-cbe-3081 [accessed 15 April 2024].
vangoghmuseum.nl. (nd). Vincent van Gogh. Art and Stories. Available [online] at: https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/art-and-stories/art/vincent-van-gogh [accessed 15 April 2024].
Welsh NHS Confederation. (2018). Arts, Health and Well-being. Available [online] at: https://www.nhsconfed.org/system/files/media/Arts-health-and-wellbeing_0.pdf [accessed 11 April 2024].
Who.int. (2024). World Health Day 2024: My health, my right. Available [online] at: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/04/07/default-calendar/world-health-day-2024-my-health-my-right [accessed 11 April 2024].
yayoi-kusama.jp (nd). Information. Available [online] at: http://yayoi-kusama.jp/e/information/ [accessed 15 April 2024].
Comments
Post a Comment