Art therapy programme in Hong Kong helps patients with mental illness
An exhibition gives a glimpse into the minds of people suffering from mental illness; the results on canvas are imaginative and evocative
Glimpsing into a mind troubled by mental illness may sound difficult, but an art therapy programme by the University of Hong Kong has opened a window into the hearts and minds of people with such a condition.
The results, painted on canvas, are imaginative and evocative: a house under sunny skies, musical notes sprouting angel's wings and a fiery red dragon. The paintings are in an exhibition called "A Season of Art and Mental Health Awareness", which is touring several venues in Hong Kong.
The art programme and exhibition are the brainchild of Dr Jordan Potash, of the University of Hong Kong's Centre on Behavioural Health.
He organised them for people suffering from mental illnesses including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
"Art therapy gives us a chance to express our depression" and to show viewers that those struggling with mental illness are regular people who can be related to, he said. This helps to ease patients' sense of being stigmatised by society.
Potash gave 10 sessions of art therapy to two classes of people with mental illness through the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals - with funds from the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme because of its potential to help guide government policies.