Curated by Weixiao Wei

The programme aims to transform the exhibition into a therapeutic environment to help participants express and discover themselves through art and improve their mental health, learning how to appreciate art and connect emotionally with the artwork, thereby increasing emotional communication and empathy between participants.

Location: Online exhibitions. Using digital technology to enhance storytelling and inspire self-expression in young people.

Audience: The programme is designed to guide couples who have experienced relationship stress while living together During the COVID-19 blockade.

Dates / Duration: Approximately half a day on the holidays.

Theoretical support: The potential for the use of art therapy in exhibitions is enormous. It uses art as a primary means of communication. It lends itself to self-expression and self-discovery for people of all ages and abilities. On the one hand, artworks can depict the human experience, symbolize current or past experiences and allow visitors to easily see and relate to themselves. On the other hand, there is a lack of personal connection between the traditional visitor and the artwork. Most infrequent visitors to exhibitions consider themselves to be outsiders to the art world. They do not know how to appreciate art and do not feel a connection to the exhibition. As an art space, an exhibition is a safe environment for people to escape from their daily activities and express their emotions. It also stimulates creativity in art making and can transform visitors from passive spectators to self-expressive artists.

Exhibits Selection: Makoto Shinkai’s animated films are beautifully drawn like wallpaper, with plots related to relationships or youth problems, such as childhood friends, long-distance relationships, teacher-student relationships, and runaways, interspersed with overhead fictional worldviews. Additional elements such as identity swapping between male and female protagonists, dual perspectives, and romantic friendships are added. Time and again, he has touched the audience in front of the screen with his exclusively clear style and delicate emotions. At the time, Makoto Shinkai even said in an interview that “if you and the opposite sex still don’t feel heartbroken after watching my films, then you really won’t become a couple.” So these films are perfect for couples in a relationship to watch together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvAh-teYxTU

https://www.netflix.com/watch/80161371?trackId=255824129&tctx=0%2C0%2CNAPA%40%40%7Cbf19dd09-828a-487a-afad-ba0579c8a521-234235333_titles%2F1%2F%2FWeathering%20With%20You%2F0%2F0%2CNAPA%40%40%7Cbf19dd09-828a-487a-afad-ba0579c8a521-234235333_titles%2F1%2F%2FWeathering%20With%20You%2F0%2F0%2Cunknown%2C%2Cbf19dd09-828a-487a-afad-ba0579c8a521-234235333%7C1%2CtitlesResults

Participants can use the guide to set their own pace and follow its instructions to strengthen their relationship:

1. Find common ground and discover the strengths of their relationship by viewing the same exhibits together.

The first section aims to discover the strengths of your relationship by recalling some romantic moments from your past. I suggest spending about ten minutes browsing through the films on the website and finding one that you can relate to emotionally. Try to answer the following questions:
Do any of the small objects in this film such as the flowery knotted mobile phone remind you of any items that symbolize the love between you and your partner? What are the experiences associated with these objects? How do you feel when you think about them? Why do you think those objects are part of your fond memories? Write down your answers in your art diary.

2. Have a relaxed conversation and express your respective thoughts on the exhibits.

The second part is about expressing an understanding of how you and your partner are currently feeling about the relationship. Go through the film of your choice and answer the following questions.
How do you feel about the current state of your relationship? Do you feel that it has changed in any way since the blockade? Can you choose one or more exhibits that reflect the emotions and feelings you have about your relationship? Before and after the embargo? Try to sketch out an exhibit that expresses your feelings and share it with your partner. Your reasons for choosing this exhibit. Talk to your partner to find out which are the elements that will strengthen your connection.

3. Create a shared vision and make joint work (paintings, crafts, collages, etc.).

After the exchange, establish a shared future and try to draw or make something that you aspire to together.
If you have any questions or suggestions throughout the chat, please feel free to talk to a member of staff.