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Revealing Resilience, Transformation, Shared Human Experience, and Memory: An Interview with Multidisciplinary Artist Yulia Rotkina

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Revealing Resilience, Transformation, Shared Human Experience, and Memory: An Interview with Multidisciplinary Artist Yulia Rotkina By Dr Joshua Y’Barbo  6 Feb 2025 What Went Down The Drain In 2020 (2021).  Installation/Video Work by Yulia Rotkina Introduction In this interview, I have the privilege of speaking with Yulia Rotkina , a talented visual artist whose journey is characterised by resilience, personal transformation, and a profound commitment to exploring the complex themes of human existence. I included Rotkina in the TEAM LEWIS Foundation Emerging Artist Exhibition 2021-2022 . With a background in psychology and experience in the film industry, Rotkina has navigated significant life changes, including the impact of loss and the challenges posed by her home country's struggles. Through their art, she aims to foster conversations about shared experiences, memory, and the essence of being human. As a Chelsea College of Arts graduate with an MA in Fine Art, she has emb...

Art Lesson: Community Engagement with Refugees through Art and Food

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Art Lesson: Community Engagement with Refugees through Art and Food Created by Joshua Y'Barbo on 04 Feb 2025 via 5MinuteLessonPlan.co.uk 'Still-life (fruit, veg, and cheese)' (2023) by Joshua Y'Barbo. Daughter-daddy collaborative drawing. Marker on Paper. 21 cm x 29.7cm Big Picture This lesson will explore how socially engaged activities like art workshops and community  can create a sense of belonging and promote tolerance and understanding of refugee experiences through art and design. Objectives Understand the importance of socially engaged activities in promoting community awareness and tolerance. Explore how art can be used as a tool for expressing refugee experiences. Cultivate empathy and understanding towards refugee communities through participation in hands-on activities. Stickability Key concepts : social engagement, tolerance, empathy, community belonging, refugee experiences Adaptability SEN : Provide visual aids and simplified instructions. Fast Progressor...

Art Lesson: Using Art to Enhance Well-being and Problem-Solving

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Art Lesson: Using Art to Enhance Wellbeing and Problem-Solving Created by Joshua Y'Barbo on 04 Feb 2025 via 5MinuteLessonPlan.co.uk Feeling Grief  (2023) by Joshua Y'Barbo. Digital Print. Variable Dimensions. Big Picture This lesson will explore the relationship between art, well-being, problem-solving, and design thinking, emphasising their practical application in everyday workplace settings. Students will delve into creativity, enhanced well-being, independent creativity, teamwork, diversity, and brainstorming. Objectives Understand the connection between art, well-being, problem-solving, and design thinking. Explore how creativity can positively impact workplace environments. Apply problem-solving techniques to work-related scenarios. Stickability Students will remember how creativity and teamwork are essential for solving workplace challenges effectively. Assessment for Learning Assessment activities will include group discussions on the importance of creativity in problem...

Unlock Your Creative Potential: Enhancing Workplace Well-Being through Art and Design Thinking

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Unlock Your Creative Potential: Enhancing Workplace Well-Being through Art and Design Thinking By Dr Joshua Y'Barbo Art Club: Mixed Media Collage Workshop hosted June 2024 In today's fast-paced work environment, the pursuit of well-being and effective problem-solving has never been more crucial. Recognising the interconnectedness of creativity, art, and design thinking can provide powerful tools for individual and team success. That's why I am excited to introduce an opportunity to explore these concepts in depth through an upcoming course offered by LEWIVERSITY . While the course is still developing, I am contacting potential participants who might be interested in a bespoke workshop or seminar on these transformative ideas. Why Focus on Art and Well-Being? Art isn't just about aesthetics—it can significantly enhance our well-being. Engaging with various forms of art has been shown to reduce stress, improve work-life balance, and even serve as an effective form of the...