Art creation has healing powers, UAE residents discover

“Art became my saviour then,” shared Shabnam, “it stabilized my emotions. The whole-body movement in the art-making process released my blocked energy and started the healing process.” At first, Shabnam tried to go all-in Put in work, but the long hours and endless sleepless nights end up taking a toll on her health. Only a few months later, when she picked up a paintbrush to paint, did she find hope and meaning to move on with her life.

Shabnam is one of many people who have benefited from art therapy. As a powerful tool of expression, art is increasingly practiced around the world today. Research shows that the use of artistic self-expression can help individuals improve their mental and emotional health. Art as a therapy is gaining momentum at a time when many are grappling with the mental and emotional challenges brought on by the pandemic. In the first year of the coronavirus outbreak, global cases of depression and anxiety increased by 25 percent, according to the World Health Organization.

Dubai resident Huzefa Goga also found himself in an unpleasant emotional state at the start of the pandemic. Fear and uncertainty during the outbreak of the deadly Covid strain sparked his mood swings. “The pandemic is changing the outside world and my inner world. I live a life of two extremes — feeling anxious, depressed and angry. It’s getting harder and harder every day,” he said.

An architect, businessman and aquascaper, Hu Zefa had earlier turned to art occasionally, but during this dark phase, feeling claustrophobic one night, he started sketching inside the square. “It was essentially a simple sketch with straight lines and basic colors – I used black for my sense of hopelessness, white for simplicity and red for intensity. I followed up with several other sketches like this, each with Expressing the turmoil within me. Creating them gave me a sense of purpose and I named the series ‘Man in a Box,'” said Hu Zefa, who also consulted with an art therapist in Dubai. In fact, the sketches played a big role when he was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Doodling, painting, sketching and coloring — any form of art, can help channel stress, calm the mind and release emotions, experts say. Participating in arts is especially helpful for those who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Humans have used artistic expression to tell stories and record events for centuries. The formal practice of art therapy dates back to the mid-20th century, when it was first created in 1942 by British artist Adrian Hill. During that time, thousands of people fell ill with tuberculosis and had to live in nursing homes. Drawing has been observed as a creative outlet for these patients. Through the initiative of British artist Edward Adamson, who observed and studied the link between artistic expression and emotional release, the mental hospital later adopted the practice of art therapy.

The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) was established in 1964, while the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) was established in 1969. Today, there are several art therapy associations and art therapists around the world. Although art can be used as a therapy for creative engagement and relaxation, art therapy follows a more specialized mode of therapy that has its roots in psychoanalysis. Art therapists use clinical skills to create individualized sessions based on the needs of the patient. Past research also supports art therapy as a low-risk approach that can help people cope with many health problems, including depression, trauma, bipolar disorder and self-esteem challenges.

Looking back, Dubai-based Indian artist Kim Oberoi recalls that art has been a constant companion in her life, supporting her as she navigates life’s challenges. Growing up in India, facing bullying at school in an emotionally unstable environment, she recalls using her sketchbook to vent her emotions. “Those days I would come back from school and make wildlife portraits out of charcoal. I noticed that the time I spent making art gave me back my strength to face the world,” shared Kim.

In her adult life, when she switched from hotel management to aviation, largely against the wishes of her parents, art once again gave her the strength to stand up for what she believed in. Although going through a broken relationship and later dealing with prenatal depression, it was Art that held her hand. “Everything inside of me is reflected in my art. What’s interesting is that it’s never the pain and the tears that can be seen on my canvas, but the hope and the strength that I believe I have,” Kim said. Traveling through those life-changing moments helped her develop her art. Today, she is a full-time artist with classes for children and adults.

To reap the benefits of art as therapy, you do not need to have extraordinary artistic abilities or knowledge of any particular technique. What really matters is the process of creating art. The point here is to enjoy what you’re doing. “When I started making art at a low point in my life, I didn’t care too much about aesthetics. I was detached from what I created on canvas. I didn’t make art for the audience, but for myself,” says Shabnam. Coincidentally, the artistic intervention in Shabnam’s life ended up helping her forge a new career path. She left her corporate job and is now an abstract expressionist artist.

While seeking solace and healing through art, Hu Zefa also discovered his new talent and was widely recognized by his peers. He has now produced over a hundred sketches in the Man in a Box series, exhibited at Dubai World Arts Centre and Dubai International Art and Gallery Studios. The series also plans to publish a book later this year. “Art helps me see the world differently and supports me through most of today’s personal challenges,” he said.

Najah Musthafa works as an Art Psychotherapist at the ATIC Counselling Centre in Dubai.

Art making is our universal endeavour to explore joy and healing. The therapeutic properties of art are varied. So it’s no surprise that many of us use it for therapeutic benefit. However, art as a therapy and art therapy are not the same.

Art therapy can include a wide range of art materials and procedures. The structure and choices within a session are personalized. There is usually an art-making section that includes activities such as drawing, working with clay, painting, sandboxing, collage, and working with natural objects.

This holistic approach offers individuals experiencing physical, emotional and cognitive challenges new avenues for understanding and self-expression. Art therapy is suitable for people of all ages and walks of life. It includes people at different stages of development, even those with determination.