The Role of Modern Art in Promoting Mental Health and Well-being Among Students

Modern art plays a part in helping students to reduce their stress and anxiety. Exposure to it helps them to learn how to express and manage their emotions. This can result in an improvement in their mental health. It also improves their creative and cognitive abilities. Educational institutions shouldn’t hesitate to introduce modern art programs into educational curricula. The benefits for their students who face some overwhelming challenges can be significant.

What is modern art? 

Modern art breaks free of conventions and finds expression in many different forms. Drawing, painting, dance, music, and writing are all useful outlets for students. Practicing them has many benefits from improving mood to encouraging new ways of thinking. Students who battle to communicate verbally may find they can express themselves better in other ways. This helps to encourage self-esteem. 

Modern art means dedication in the form of time which is not always possible due to academic pressure. Students can approach professional online writing services to assist them. They must use reliable writing services that offer quality at an affordable price. Students who have a deep interest in art but face difficulties with doing assignments on time may need essay help so choosing the right service is crucial. They can choose an expert writer who will help them to get a quality assignment in on time. A professional writer should know how to structure an essay, quote sources, and maintain academic integrity. The time they save can be used to hone their modern art skills.

Benefits of modern art therapy 

Creating and exploring modern art as a form of therapy for students has some significant benefits.

By completely immersing themselves in the creation process, students can stop focusing on their pain or trauma. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of activities such as dance or music help to relieve stress and reduce anxiety. Students can experience a release of dopamine in the act of creation that helps them overcome depression.

In Cureus, an art literature review shows that expressing art in free form can help students express their emotions and learn how to manage them. They become more self-aware and this improves their self-confidence.

A systematic review of over 35 studies showed the benefits of art interventions. It found that in over 80% of the research, the 2,000 participants reported that their anxiety and stress improved significantly.

Creating art involves different parts of the brain communicating with one another.

Integrating modern art programs

Educational institutions are realizing the benefits of integrating modern art programs into the curriculum. Doing so can help students who experience mental health issues, communication difficulties, anxiety, or depression.

Develop new forms of creative expression

It is important for teachers to show students that there isn’t just the right way to make art. Introducing them to Andy Warhol and his iconic series of Campbell’s soup cans at the Museum of Modern Art in New York can inspire them. He defied traditional ideas of fine art and was responsible for a new genre of art.

Improve collaboration

Contemporary art often involves collaborating, such as in dance and theater. Students will start to realize what they can accomplish by putting their minds together. This can help them to develop their social skills. For example, educators could get students to collaborate to write rap songs about historical events. Watching the musical Hamilton could inspire them. Teachers could use modern art paintings such as those of Salvador Dali to inspire them to create a modern dance.

Find emotional expression

Modern art can play a role in helping students to express emotions. In one class, a student chose to do a series of fox sculptures. Foxes in different colors represented different years and life events. This student used this to share the journey with the class towards accepting their LGBTQ identity.

Increase critical thinking

Music, drama, and visual arts all require skills such as observation, exploration, and expression. Educators could encourage students to work with unconventional materials. They should choose the best processes to help them express their concepts.

Conclusion

Introducing modern art into the curriculum at educational institutions can play a significant role in promoting health and wellbeing in students. Through various activities, students can express their emotions and develop more self-awareness in a safe way. They can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve their state of mind. It also helps them to think more creatively and develop their cognitive abilities.

Author’s Bio

Mattew Stoll is a popular blogger covering various niches in education, finance, technology, etc. His blogs are mostly directed toward his student audience whom he wants to be knowledgeable and updated about the latest trends. Both as an academic writer and a blogger, his career stands out and serves as a great inspiration for students.