Health authorities and cultural institutions have already discovered the potential of using arts and culture as a way to increase wellbeing, such as managing stress and depression. That’s why today it’s not uncommon to see a museum visit being prescribed for people with trauma. This might influence the way museums stage and curate their exhibitions to create space for people who carry trauma.
“A museum experience in order to be trauma aware starts when the lived experience of the visitor takes priority over art history”
-Elizabeth Iaonnides
How can you use the art museum?
Mindfulness instructor and clinical psychotherapist Aglaia Michelaki, with a background in art history, has experience using museums for her clients. We asked her about her experience and how she facilitates the museum visit:
“I would encourage people to slow down, in what I call a mindful approach. Not only in front of the artwork, but also to notice any sensations, thoughts and feelings leading up to the visit to the museum and when entering the museum. That means checking in with the client,” says Michelaki and continues “When you and the client choose an artwork, engage in ‘slow art’. Instead of taking in as much information as possible, engage in a dialog with a single piece. Perhaps postpone reading the title, description and chronology, but rather take in the artwork through the senses. So, a slow approach to art lets the client choose the image they want to reflect on and work with, giving you some guidelines for the next step.”
Questions about the artwork
Michelaki continues: “You can ask: what happens in your body in front of the work. What happens to your breathing, pulse, every part of your body? Do you feel more alive? Consider color, form, material, theme, narrative, emotion, things important in presence or absence.”
She suggests that the client can sketch or write down their thoughts in front of the artwork, which can be taken back to a group and shared if they are part of a group. “It will create connection and a different perspective. It will give the client a new curiosity about why you chose to work with that image. As a therapist, you can engage in a dialog with the client about those thoughts and considerations and continue working with a focus on their resources.”
From art museum to creation and therapy
Aglaia Michelaki also suggests that if a piece of art speaks to the client, revisit it, preferably more than once. The experience is likely to be different every time. At the same time, she sees the visits to the art museum as a springboard for further art therapy with other genres, such as dance, movement, art creation, putting into words what they came into contact with in the process.
“You can ask: what happens in your body in front of the work. What happens to your breathing, pulse, every part of your body? Do you feel more alive? Consider color, form, material, theme, narrative, emotion, things important in presence or absence.”
Aglaia Michelaki
Visiting an online gallery
Another method, which may be safer, is to use online options for viewing images from museums and galleries. While it doesn’t provide the same experience as being face-to-face with the artwork, there are still a lot of opportunities for reflection. Additionally, facilitating a group in a physical museum with many people can be challenging. The online gallery makes it easy for both individual clients and larger groups to meet, where clients can take part in the process from the comfort of their own home.
Several museums have their collection available online, such as SMK Open , where you can easily access thousands of artworks. You can also find works in the Art’s digital art school, photo and video art on Fotografisk Center’s digital exhibition platform On The Go or countless international exhibitions and works on Google Arts and Culture.
Museotherapy
Some museums work specifically with therapy in their exhibitions and with the vulnerable in mind, to promote wellbeing, wellness and social inclusion. For example, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts offers workshops specifically for teens and young adults with challenges. They’ve also designed the exhibits to make the experience more relaxed, with a slower pace and less noise. They also encourage visitors not to bring too much stuff to create a calm atmosphere in the museum.
Art therapists also work in Athens at the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Architecture plays a special role when visiting the museum. The body is encouraged to stand upright, the head is likely to look up at the majestic architecture, which automatically forces the body to open up and breathing to become fuller. Standing in front of a piece of art can make you feel at home, included and part of something bigger, even if you’re in a foreign country. You can also see your own pain reflected in art, or experience how pain can become beauty, which can give you a new glimmer of hope.
That’s why we encourage our clients to go to museums and engage with art in our programs. Millennia of art and cultural history feels present and helps the client realize that they are not alone.
