FICCI FLO, under the leadership of National President, Puja Garg, hosted a unique and insightful workshop, “The Art Therapy: Canvas of the Mind.” Hosted under the FLO Visual Arts Initiative, the soothing workshop featured Aradhana Dalmia, Art Consultant and founder of The Artemist, an art and design house based in Kolkata. Ms. Dalmia discussed the impact of art and colours on people’s energy, emotions, and spaces, highlighting the transformative role of art in everyday life.
She introduced the concept of art therapy, which enhances people’s mental health and fosters healing. Creation of art helps people understand their own emotions, boost self-esteem, and develop self-awareness. Aradhana Dalmia discussed the psychological impact of various colours, including black, white, red, blue, yellow, and green, in Indian architecture and design principles.
Ms. Dalmia discussed Vastu principles for home decor, explaining the significance of different wall directions and appropriate artwork placements. She emphasized choosing positive and uplifting artworks that bring a positive vibe to spaces, avoiding those with dysfunctional elements. Also, she explained the emotional associations of various shapes and patterns in doodling, including lines for energy, spirals for growth, circles for wholeness, and triangles for strength.
FLO members participated in an engaging activity where they created doodles using a pen and paper. According to Ms. Dalmia, doodling helps in reducing stress, boosting creativity, enhancing memory, and supporting emotional expression. The session ended with a guided meditation session and a Q&A session, discussing professional training in art therapy and recommendations for children’s art development.
A heartfelt thanks to the FLO Visual Arts Team, Kuwarani Ritu Singh, Initiative Lead; Sonia Singla, Co-Lead; Payal Jain Kapoor; and Day Chair Sunita Kanoria for thoughtfully curating this thought-provoking workshop. Overall, the Art Therapy session showcased the power of art in healing, inspiring, and creating deeper connections with ourselves.