Humans are unique in our ability to analyze our own position in the world. This special power comes with its limits, like our denial of our own demise. However, through exercising our own awareness and sense of agency, I believe it is possible to overcome this psychological limitation. Throughout history, art has been a key method for grappling with big-ticket issues our species have faced—from rap artists responding to social problems to Banksy’s artistic response to war and other political follies. For my final project, I looked at how mindfulness in the form of painting can give individuals a way to find focus and inspiration. In the words of Ice Cube, “if I fJJJ up the planet, ain’t nothin’ to it, gangster rap made me do it.” Ice Cube shows us how art can be used to understand both our individual and collective responsibility to the problems in our society.
In my findings, I found that the group setting enhanced both the experience of my peers and my own. I conducted a Google survey and the results showed almost all participants felt that this activity improved their sense of focus. I believe that making artistic expression and incorporating mindfulness with education is essential to improving the advocacy of our society. In addition, my own mental health benefits from this exercise have me sold on promoting contemplative practices for all.
Here are some products from this mindfulness event:
Collaborative piece with all 9 participant’s input/additions.
Painting by: Kali Coubrough
Painting by: Simone Schwartz-Lombard
Painting by: Anya Christennsen
Painting by: Robi Lin
Here are some informal results from the survey:
References:
Ice Cube, “Gangster Rap Made Me Do It,” 2008.