National Arts Month 2023: Art Heals in the Post-Pandemic Times

Humans are made to express themselves naturally. Take a glance at the children. Since they haven’t been taught how to manage their emotions, they’re free to express themselves: it may be crying loudly or squealing. They are letting out the emotions they feel whenever they want to.

Often, when people experience an uncomfortable feeling, such as shame, misery, or fear, they tend to ignore that feeling and label it as a “bad” feeling, prevalent during the onslaught of the recent pandemic. In the end, people try to avoid it by using drugs, alcohol, or other vices, to feel better. They’re most likely to suppress their emotions more to avoid showing any signs of weakness.

There are many ways in which people can release their emotions, which can start the healing process: one of them is art. Many studies show that art improves the health and well-being of a person. It allows the person’s brain to flow freely and process their emotions well.

This month, we celebrate the 2023 National Arts Month, which recognizes “the capacity of the arts to heal, rebuild, and restore in a post-pandemic setting.”

Allow these artworks to free you from any troubling emotions. – Toby Denise Concepcion

“Dalagang Mapagmahal”
32″ x 22″ Watercolor on Cardboard

“Dreamy Dawn Clouds”
11.8″ x 8.3″ Acrylic on Paper

“Flight of the Butterflies”
24″ x 18″ Acrylic on Canvas

“In the Wilderness”
24″ x 20″ Acrylic on Canvas, Wood

“Bakhawan River”
12″ x 16″ Acrylic on Canvas, Board