#ExpressiveArts4Me Project: Unveiling Authentic Narratives
By Dara Balashova, Founder, EXAT UA and Expressive Ukrainians Community, and graphic arts students
The #ExpressiveArts4Me project celebrates personal narratives through the lens of Expressive Arts. Drawing inspiration from Shaun McNiff's Arts-Based research concepts, the exploration of the historical ties between Expressive Arts and psychiatry, and the subsequent paradigm shift, students embarked on a journey to redefine how they perceive and understand the Expressive Arts.
In the face of personal challenges, including a war-induced evacuation, students exhibited remarkable resilience, steadfastly pursuing their creative passions. In contemplating what Expressive Arts means to them, they posed a fundamental question: What if the answers lie within our hearts and minds?
Students were encouraged to articulate their unique perspectives through art and design. Their task was simple yet profound: Create an artwork that answers the question, "What is Expressive Art for Me?".
Join the conversation by using the hashtag #ExpressiveArts4Me. Share your personal narrative and artistic creations on your Instagram story, mentioning @expressiveartswithoutborders and @expressive.ukrainians. We will discover and repost your inspiring stories, contributing to the collective tapestry of Expressive Arts.
Dara Balashova is an Expressive Arts Educator at the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts (KSADA), where she integrates her deep knowledge of psychology and graphic design to advance the field of Expressive Arts Therapy. As a founder of Expressive Arts Therapy Ukraine, she champions a holistic approach to therapy, combining her academic background with practical application in both expressive arts and graphic design. Dara's work, characterized by a commitment to innovation and creativity, has led to a significant collaboration with KSADA's Graphic Design Department and Dr. Markus G. Scott-Alexander. She continues to influence and inspire through her dedication to enriching the therapeutic and creative landscapes.
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Special Thanks to the Students:
Katerina Mamon, Victoria Savelieva, Valeriia Zemlyanka, Maria Mozgina, Anastasiia,, Medvedieva, Kondratiuk Tetiana, Kateryna Osypenko, Yelyzaveta Husieva, Tatiana Nevyarovskaya, Yaroslav Kaminsky, Anna Korovnichenko, Polina Molodtsova, Dariia Shevchenko, Diana Kosolapova, Mariia Kravchenko, Olha Lysenko, Anna Zhynkina, Kateryna Kukharieva, Alisa Tymofieieva, Alexandra Barabanova, Valeriia Berehova, Sofiia Gavrylova, Kateryna Dubrova, Yelyzaveta Azarenkova, Daria Dashynevych, Yaroslava Kuzmenko, Liudmyla Tsarenko, Sofia Vasylenko.