This presentation by art historian Lynn Meckler features 65 classical
works demonstrating connections between art, spirituality, and
health. It was previously presented to the Oates Institute's Annual
Meeting in 2000 and to Grand Rounds at the University of Louisville
School of Medicine. It is one of the gallery's permanent exhibits.
"My personal experience with art as a healing force occurred
during my former career as a psychologist. I was working in a
multidisciplinary clinical setting for children with developmental
problems. A three-year old boy was under evaluation for delayed
speech. The diagnostic team of which I was a member came to the
conclusion that the child was, indeed, exhibiting immature speech
and behavior problems, but that these were most likely temporary
and the result of lack of stimulation. Psychological test results,
because such instruments are primarily language-based, fell in
the borderline range of retardation. It was this diagnosis that
the distraught-and disturbed-mother heard, that her child was
retarded. She took her child home and shot him in his bath that
night. My reaction to the tragedy was to seek a career change,
one as far removed from living human beings as possible. I began
studies in art history shortly thereafter and have remained in
the field for nearly two decades now. Art truly has been a healer
in my life.
"There is a long historical association between healing
and the visual arts. If healing may be considered the attainment
or the restoration of harmony, then art throughout time has concerned
itself with healing--of both body and spirit, through both content
and process, and in all media." (Lynn Meckler)
GO TO EXHIBIT
The Spirituality, Art and Health presentation
exhibit requires WEOI Membership for access.
NON-MEMBERS
EXHIBIT DEMO
