[NYTr] Art Therapy in Cuba
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Radio Havana Cuba - Special Feature - April 18, 2005
http://www.radiohc.cu
Special Feature on Art Therapy in Cuba
Artistic Approaches in the Healing of the Mind
By Heidy Gonzalez Cabrera
Courtesy of Radio Rebelde
Among the early art forms was painting - reflecting the primitive
human being's expressive resourcefulness in capturing ideas and
emotions related to the hunt, war, the harvest; of course this art
form also marked advances in our mental development.
So distant in time, as far back as 2000 BC, Egyptian priests had
already figured out that certain cultural forms - such as songs and
ritual dances - contributed to relieving states of mental depression.
Some 500 years later, Egyptian doctors attributed music with having a
favorable influence on woman's fertility.
Many centuries passed before psychologists began to incorporate art
into childrens psychotherapy. But that tremendously significant step
provided artistic creation as a medium of communication for those who
lived confined in a state of psychological dysfunction that obstructed
their natural expression.
Currently defined as "Art Therapy," cultural forms such as theater,
music, singing, dance, and the plastic arts all contribute to human
psychological recovery and are being used around the world.
In Cuba, this specialty is being applied with unquestionable success
in multiple areas of the national health system.
That was the challenge of the Regla Community Mental Health Center,
directed by Dr. Raul Gil, where culture is applied as a form of
patient therapy.
Outcomes of that approach were presented at the Third Biennial
Symposium on Arts and Mental Health, where works by patients were
exhibited in various areas in the city's Historic Center.
Paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, engravings, ceramic
and photographs, works in the applied arts, street theater, and
cinematographic samples dealt with a lovely theme: children and youth
for world peace.
The works embrace the interaction of different generations and various
art forms in both collective exhibitions and personal ones.
Several cities within the province are taking part in this symposium
that will extend until April 30 with the purpose of promoting this
therapeutic approach in the field of mental health care.
In addition to patients, established professional Cuban creators will
also display their work at the Convent of San Francisco from Assisi.
These important exhibits will add to the attractions at the Casas de
Obra Pia, Oswaldo Guayasamin, Simon Bolivar and the Alejandro de
Humboldt centers, among other outstanding art institutions, that will
undoubtedly open doors of hope and allow reflection.
This "sui genersc" art collection is yet another victory for mental
health recovery in Cuba.
*
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