Artistic expressions such as dance, painting, sculpture, music, and poetry allow those unable to discuss their inner struggles or triumphs to express their emotions by evoking emotions in others. Artistic endeavors involve creative inner forces and talents, relying on imagination, inspiration, inventiveness, and originality – and are uniquely human. The healing power of these artistic creations has a meditative quality that can bring psychological insight and relief from emotional distress. Together we will learn about how humans evolved to use art to connect, enjoy shared experiences, and create communities.

Learning objectives:

• Discover how mental struggles have been expressed in art
• Understand the relationship between art and the development of language and communication
• Learn about the healing powers of artistic creativity

The MIT Health Seminar Series are open to members of the MIT community, along with patients who get their care at MIT Health.

Speaker: Lior  Givon.  Lior Givon is a psychiatrist and the clinical director of MIT Health’s Behavioral Health service in primary care. Before beginning her career in science and medicine, she worked as a graphic designer and has been interested and engaged in artistic activities such as dance and painting since a young age. She uses her experiences to connect art and creative endeavors to human development, mental health struggles and the brain, and to illuminate shared human experiences.