Art—especially high art—is better appreciated and understood when more is known about it.
To that end, for each significant work of art at Haven House and Cloud Nine Studios, we either have recorded or will soon record a video of the artist presenting and explaining the meaning and intention of the piece, how they made it, how they were feeling when they made it, etc.
When possible, these videos are recorded in the place where the piece is displayed, which creates a deeper connection between the place and the artist and makes explanations of pieces made specifically for the space (like the Journey Nexus) particularly powerful.
Essentially, we film an unveiling event designed to be experienced via video rather than live.
After viewing this video, the effect a piece has will be exponentially multiplied, as the sensory memory of the artist's explanation will remind residents of its intention and message whenever they see the work, which is especially important for pieces that convey crucial mental health concepts.
This approach depends on proper timing, however. Forcing an art tour at the wrong time during trauma recovery would be orders of magnitude less effective, if not counterproductive, insulting, or even harmful. (See Nature_&_Beauty#Using_Beauty_to_Empower.)
Instead, the Exploratory Gallery delivers this information only when people are actively seeking and receptive to it.
On or near each work are tiny labels that display its title as well as a QR code.
which would lead to a page with details about the work and the video of the artist explaining it.
The intended goal would be primarily to amplify the efficacy of the artwork shown, but learning more on one’s own is an empowering experience that can boost self-efficacy, and learning more about the living environment can combat detachment by making people feel more connected to the home and the artists who were in the same space. Furthermore, seeing beautiful works of art made by people similar to themselves can further combat feelings of powerlessness.
Then we would install
Many artists have stories of trauma and recovery infused in their artwork, the symbolism behind which
Explain use in Journey Nexus.
While it won't have the same effect on everyone, those who see themselves in Christine will be all but forced to think, "If she can do that, I wonder what I can do?
Psychological Jujitsu: Weaponizing beauty to redirect awe into self-efficacy
The more they explore (at the time of their choosing, when they are receptive and curious), the more they will learn that these beautiful works they have been admiring were made by women / people they can identify with / people who aren't so different from themselves.