Art exhibition by mental health charity showcases over 100 works by seniors

Straits Times

2 days ago

Ms Padmini Naidu beside a watercolour artwork she did under Brahm Centre's art programmes. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
SINGAPORE – When she lost her beloved chihuahua in 2019, Ms Padmini Naidu suffered from anxiety and depression.
Through her engagement in more than forty art courses at Brahm Centre , the co-owner of an IT hardware business has since been able to discover a new sense of purpose and joy.
'I met a lot of great friends with similar interests and got to experience a very fun school life,' said the 52-year-old, who attends up to three or four art lessons a week at the mental health charity's Newton branch.
She is among the more than 4,000 seniors who have benefited from the art courses held by Brahm Centre at its five locations across Singapore.
On June 5 , Brahm Centre and partner Goldbell Group launched an exhibition at Goldbell Towers in Scotts Road featuring more than 100 artworks done by course participants , including Ms Naidu's Peranakan-inspired watercolour painting .
Called An Uplifting Journey, the exhibition runs till June 7 and celebrates the resilience, creativity and emotional growth of seniors who have embraced art as a path to wellness and self-discovery.
In her opening speech, Brahm Centre chief executive Angie Chew t alked about the risk of loneliness among older adults as they encounter life events like retirement, health changes, and loss of loved ones.
Such transitions can shrink social circles and increase isolation, she said.
'In times of loneliness, art offers not just beauty, but healing and hope,' Ms Chew said , adding that investing in art is a way to reconnect with others and ourselves.
Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash , who was guest of honour at the event, underlined the role of art as a unifier, allowing people to celebrate together and keeping seniors active.
Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash watching seniors make art on June 5.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Senior Minister of State for Health Tan Kiat How, who was also a guest of honour, attributed Singapore's transformation to the 'sacrifices and dedication' of the Pioneer Generation and emphasised the need to care for them 'in the community and in our families'.
He added: 'The Government cannot do this alone. We have to work with partners. And organisations like Brahm Centre are very good partners to support us and our seniors... to age well and be happy.'
Another senior who exhibited her works at the show, Ms Desiree Chan, 65, said she had gained 'a very great appreciation for art '. The retiree, who has attended 22 courses at Brahm Centre , added that: 'As we grow older, and there are so many stresses and challenges of our world, art is a wonderful respite.'
Ms Desiree Chan, 65, said she had gained 'a very great appreciation for art'.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Three of Ms Chan's works are being showcased: two watercolour paintings depicting sliced peaches and a burger, and a fashion ink cutout of c heongsam designs completed during the Chinese New Year season.
Brahm Centre said it has seen the demand for its art courses grow over the years, with 3,700 sign-ups in 2024, up 34 per cent from 2023.
The centre offers courses in watercolour painting, pencil sketching, Chinese brush painting and Chinese calligraphy, among others. The courses are subsidised under the SkillsFuture scheme and the National Silver Academy.
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