What is Art Therapy?

Discover how art can encourage spiritual growth, emotional healing, and continuous self-transformation

By Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Bangkok Art and Culture Center

KOHRINKA Flower Arrangement for mental and physical wellbeing by MOA THAI FoundationBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Welcome to Art Therapy World

What is art therapy? It has been renowned for so long, as the "Art of Processes". It could shape and revitalize the out-of-balance people, the physically-ill and patients with a mental illness, and bring them a better quality of life.

Art TherapyBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Art Therapy in Thailand

There are a number of professional art therapists working in Thailand. Our society becomes more and more opened to the term "Therapy" from various attitudes. Art therapy is both scientific and artistic. It was woven from over a hundred years of work experiences, both in the west and in the east. This exhibition throws a light on the point that when art therapy from a medical view is united with the world of art, from the dimension of inner journeys.

Internalisation by Dujdao VadhanapakornBangkok Art and Culture Centre

The Process of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a delicate process that involves allowing the power of the art to work on people's hearts. For example, the artwork "Internalisation", by Dujdao Vadhanapakorn, showing that the inner work begins with one searching for a particular healing tool for his or her state of mind. A therapist cannot choose the tool for the patient; however, within every human being lies a potential to experiment and understand what is best for oneself. A therapist serves only as a companion who encourages the patient to notice things, or to elicit an observation on the patient's subconscious desires. 

Internalisation by Dujdao VadhanapakornBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Colour Breathing Wall by Prachyaporn ChaisawasBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Sections in our Art Therapy World

This exhibition is divided into three sections: 1. Response Art and Psychodynamic Art Therapy 2. Anthroposophic Art Therapy  3. Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy. The journey into Art Therapy World begins on the next page!

Transformation and In Transition by Prachayaporn VoranantaBangkok Art and Culture Centre

1.Response Art and Psychodynamic Art Therapy

Response art is art therapists' post-session process of creating artwork in response to the emotions that subconsciously arise in the therapy session. This process allows art therapists to contemplate on their own experiences while conducting the session, such as the vulnerability or intensity of emotions that were not verbalized or the art therapist's own blind spots (counter transference) which restrict the capacity to empathize with the clients' experiences.

Transformation and In Transition by Prachayaporn VoranantaBangkok Art and Culture Centre

For example, the artwork "Transformation and In Transition" by Prachayaporn Vorananta, Intermodal expressive art therapy integrates various art mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpting, writing, and body movement, to create internal mindful experiences. Expressive art therapy can connect past memories to the present self. The process will create a new experience with an awareness of the here and now to allow spiritual growth, emotions, and continuous self-transformation.

Enter the War Zone by Oratip NimkannonBangkok Art and Culture Centre

The other artworks which can help you understand about response art are two paintings by the art therapist "Oratip Nimkannon" that reflect her emotional experiences before and while providing mental health support to refugees at a humanitarian organization dedicated to serving refugees and asylum seekers in Bangkok.The first piece was completed one day prior to Oratip's first day of starting work. Just thinking about herself

in this role, the art therapist had so many mixed feelings that she had to express them through colors and paint brushes. 

The Beginning of the End by Oratip NimkannonBangkok Art and Culture Centre

The second piece was completed one year and three months after the first piece. The art therapist told herself that she needed to resign from the job soon, because she could no longer provide emotional support to refugees. Three months after this painting, the art therapist quit her job at the organization. 

The Element of Therapy by Saphrangphon ChayanupatkulBangkok Art and Culture Centre

2. Anthroposophic Art Therapy

Anthroposophic art therapy emerged in the early 20th Century through Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1864-1924) whose concept of art and anthroposophic philosophy led to the application of art therapy and the relationship between the elements as well as the spiritual development of each individual. One example is the artwork "The Element of Therapy" by Saphrangphon Chayanupatkul, this work shows that the qualities of 4 natural elements (earth- solids, water- liquids, air- wind, and fire-heat) are linked to the internal organs of the human body (lungs, liver, kidney, and heart) according to their locations and functions. This goes with the saying "Humans are the collector of things in the nature and the universe around us."

The Element of Therapy by Saphrangphon ChayanupatkulBangkok Art and Culture Centre

The Element of Therapy by Saphrangphon ChayanupatkulBangkok Art and Culture Centre

The Element of Therapy by Saphrangphon ChayanupatkulBangkok Art and Culture Centre

The Element of Therapy by Saphrangphon ChayanupatkulBangkok Art and Culture Centre

That tree beneath the star by Satit SoithongcharoenBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Anthroposophic art therapy not only relates the relationship between elements, but also the orbits of planets. For example "That tree beneath the star" by art therapist "Satit Soithongcharoen". This artwork tell us that the orbits of planets in the solar system affect to minerals, gems, and seeds. Our topic here is "Tree". There are many different species of trees, each with its own uniqueness revealed through the branches and barks,reflecting certain qualities that correspond with the influence of the stars.

That tree beneath the star (Ash) by Satit SoithongcharoenBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Ash demonstrates the power of the sun. It gives calm and warming feelings- It allows light through its branches so other frees can still grow under its shade.

That tree beneath the star (Cherry Tree) by Satit SoithongcharoenBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Cherry is influenced by the moon - it demonstrates protectiveness. As the moon controls water on, Cherry contains water in both its trunk and fruits.

That tree beneath the star (Oak) by Satit SoithongcharoenBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Oak is as hard as steel mirroring this characteristic of Mars, the planet of wars and battles.

That tree beneath the star (Elm) by Satit SoithongcharoenBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Elm receives influence from Mercury. Just like Hermes, the god of travel in Greek mythology, Elm's movement is bouncy and full of life.

That tree beneath the star (Maple) by Satit SoithongcharoenBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Maple displays an influence of Jupiter in its introspection, structure, grace, and wisdom.

That tree beneath the star (Birch) by Satit SoithongcharoenBangkok Art and Culture Centre

An influence of Venus is shown in Birch radiating love, care, and beauty for the world to see.

That tree beneath the star (Fir) by Satit SoithongcharoenBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Fir reflects Saturn in its determination, solemnity, and darkness. Fir does not allow light to shine through its branches. No other plants can grow under it.

Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy by Wisakha PhaignamBangkok Art and Culture Centre

3. Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy.

Case study of a Thai man, aged 27 and case study of a Thai woman, aged 19. The process of therapy is roughly divided into two steps: the first relates to free paining leading to diagnosis and determining the process of Art Therapy. This process requires the Anthroposophic therapist's experience and understanding.

Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy by Wisakha PhaignamBangkok Art and Culture Centre

Clients suffering from chronic depression lacking interest in the external world or even people around them are diagnosed. Their therapists, after getting them to paint with watercolor, what appears in the first picture of a free painting is indicative of their condition where colors showing closure or blockage. The therapist then decides to opt for the wet on wet technique using watercolors along with soft pastel colors which relate to fluidity and movement.  

Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy by Wisakha PhaignamBangkok Art and Culture Centre

The transparency of watercolor also helps with the client's spiritual needs enabling a lighter and more expansive feeling. Oftentimes the client wishes to do free painting and the therapist will provide the space in some sessions of therapy. The soft pastel is also chosen to ensure that client works with their own hands and experience direct contact with the pictures. 

Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy by Wisakha PhaignamBangkok Art and Culture Centre

During the final process of therapy, the client appears more relaxed. The mood lightens, the client smiles more and is able to make certain decisions in life. The therapy appears to have worked at a satisfactory level. 

Case Study on a way Anthroposophic Art Therapy by Anupan PluckpankhajeeBangkok Art and Culture Centre

For the result of the art therapy in the this case study, the psychiatrist finds that the client shows an improved level of balance and strength to continue on the path ahead of them.

Darken Star by Niti WattuyaBangkok Art and Culture Centre

In addition to being therapeutic, art therapy is related to the creation of artworks, enhancing aesthetic values for a better society with virtue, beauty and truth.

Bamboo of life by Decha TiengkateBangkok Art and Culture Centre

This artwork was created in order for the audience to experience the plant and understand the philosophies that are associated with it. Bamboo here acts as an agent to connect us from today's chaos to the calm and magical nature that once was our reality.

Dawn till Twilight by Abhisiree CharanjavanaphetBangkok Art and Culture Centre

An observant eye will recognize the many colors of the forest that are not unlike human beings whose lives are painted with different colors over time. The natural elements - earth, water, air, and fire- fuel colors before our eyes. Earth gives birth to trees before water can bring out colors in their leaves and branches. Silk then absorbs the dyes. Finally, sunshine allows the colors to stay on fabric by drying them, with help from the wind. 

Ersatz by Kitti Saengsuwan and Mont WatanasirirochBangkok Art and Culture Centre

"Take a moment and allow the colors of the forest to embrace each and every moment in your life."

Dawn till Twilight by Abhisiree CharanjavanaphetBangkok Art and Culture Centre

“As an art therapist, the meaning of art, elements and therapy are combined in creating the following visual elements, elements of humanities and elements of therapy”

 

Anupan Pluckpankhajee – Curator

Credits: Story

Exhibition Name: Art of Element and Therapy
Curator: Anupan Pluckpankhajee
Viewing Period: 16th August – 3rd November 2019, at Main Gallery on 7th floor, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Thailand


Organized by: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Principal Supporter: Thai Beverage Public Company Limited
Project Supporter: Mamata Company Limited
Photos: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre


Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Address: 939 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Opening Time: Tuesday - Sunday, at 10.00 - 19.00 hrs. (closed on Mondays), last admission to Main Gallery at 18.30 hrs.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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