Developed by Lazaara Ilieva
Objectives: By engaging with the suggested resources and topics, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of:
- the relationship between art and wellness
- the ways in which creative expression can contribute to personal well-being and holistic health
- the relationship between human and environmental wellness
Course Description:
This course explores the intersection between art and wellness, examining how artistic expression and engagement can positively impact individuals’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Students will examine various forms of art, including visual arts, music, literature, and performing arts, and investigate how these creative endeavors can enhance personal growth, self-reflection, and overall wellness. Through readings, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of the role of art in promoting holistic wellness.
Weekly Schedule
Week 1: Introduction to Art and Wellness
– Overview of the course topics and objectives
– Understanding the connection between art, creativity, and wellness
– Introduction to different forms of art and their potential impact on well-being
Week 2: Art Therapy and Healing
– Exploring the history and principles of art therapy
– Case studies and examples of art therapy in practice
– Hands-on art therapy exercises for self-expression and emotional processing
Week 3: Mindfulness and Art
– Introduction to mindfulness practices in relation to art
– Incorporating mindfulness into art-making and art appreciation
– Mindful art activities for stress reduction and relaxation
Week 4: The Role of Creativity in Wellness
– Examining the link between creativity, innovation, and well-being
– Creative exercises to enhance problem-solving skills and personal growth
– Guest speaker on creativity and its impact on mental health
Week 5: Visual Arts and Wellness
– Exploration of the therapeutic benefits of visual arts
– Analysis of visual artworks that convey emotions and experiences
– Hands-on visual art activities to promote self-reflection and creativity
Week 6: Sound, Music and Emotion
– Understanding the emotional impact of music on well-being
– The use of music therapy in mental health treatment
– Listening exercises and music-making activities for mood regulation
Week 7: Literature and Self-Reflection
– Examining the role of literature in fostering empathy and self-reflection
– Analysis of literary works that explore themes of wellness and resilience
– Creative writing exercises for self-expression and personal growth
Week 8: Performing Arts and Empathy
– Exploring how performing arts, such as theatre and dance, promote empathy
– Hands-on exercises in improvisation and movement for emotional expression
– Guest performance demonstrating the power of storytelling through the performing arts
Week 9: Art , Environment and Community Well-Being
– Discussing the role of art in building inclusive and resilient communities
– Examining community art projects and initiatives for social change
– Group art project to promote collaboration and collective well-being
Week 10: Final Reflections and Project Presentation
– Reflecting on the impact of art on personal wellness and growth
– Presenting individual or group projects that integrate art and wellness concepts
– Course wrap-up and key takeaways.
General Indian Art
- Chaitanya, Krishna. A History of Indian Painting: The Modern Period. Abhinav Publications, 1994.
- Dallapiccola, Anna L. Indian Art in Detail. Harvard University Press, 2007.
- Coomaraswamy, Ananda K. The Arts and Crafts of India and Ceylon. T.N. Foulis, 1913.
- Jain, Jyotindra. Indian Folk and Tribal Paintings. Mapin Publishing Pvt Ltd, 1998.
- Mitter, Partha. Indian Art. Oxford University Press, 2001.
Warli Art
- Mallica, V. The Art of the Warlis. Tarang Paperbacks, 1981.
- Jain, Jyotindra. Other Masters: Five Contemporary Folk and Tribal Artists of India. Crafts Museum & The Handicrafts and Handlooms Exports Corporation of India Ltd, 1998.
- Doshi, Saryu. Tribal India: Ancient and Contemporary. Marg Publications, 1985.
- Mills, Mary Elizabeth. “Warli Painting: A Study in Indian Tribal Art.” The Journal of American Folklore, vol. 100, no. 398, 1987, pp. 493-495.
- Vijayakumar, H. P. Warli Painting: Traditions and Transformations. Scholarly Book House, 2019.
Madhubani Art
- Narayan, Binodini Devi. Madhubani Painting. Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India, 1999.
- Dutta, Mira. Madhubani Art. Niyogi Books, 2007.
- Jha, Bhaskar. Madhubani: Art and Artists. Abhinav Publications, 2000.
- Kapur, Geeti Sen. Painted Myths of Creation: Art and Ritual of an Indian Tribe. Lalit Kala Akademi, 1983.
- Jain, Bhuvan Lall. Madhubani Art of India. South Asia Books, 1996.
Online Resources
- Victoria and Albert Museum – Indian Art
- History of Indian Art
These resources provide a comprehensive overview of Indian art, with specific focus on the traditions and transformations of Warli and Madhubani paintings.
General bibliography:
1. “Art as Therapy” by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong
2. “The Arts and Human Development” by Howard Gardner
3. “Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
4. “The Healing Power of Art” by Elisabeth Vander Zaag
5. “The Art of Happiness” by Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler
6. “Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain” by Oliver Sacks
7. “Art and Soul: Reflections on an Artistic Psychology” by Grazyna Adamska-Jarecka
8. “The Mindful Way Through Depression” by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn
9. “The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life” by Twyla Tharp
10. “Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy” by Barbara Ehrenreich