Healing Canvas
An interview with the authors Barth and Wüthrich on their current book project Healing Canvas in which the authors Barth and Wüthrich trace the transformative power of art and body work within trauma therapy. We had the chance to talk to them about their current research.
What inspired you to explore the intersection between science and human stories in the context of trauma therapy?
W: We both come from very different backgrounds: Barth is an artist and works with different communities, and I am an anesthesia nurse with a research focus on pain therapy. We both work with traumatized people and are looking for a way to deal with experiences of violence and pain and to heal them as far as possible. Our approaches are very different, but we are united by the conviction that a holistic approach to trauma is useful and effective.
Can you elaborate on the specific methodologies you use?
B: As a performance artist my tool is the body. When i start to work with people i start with the very basics. Often in the very basics traumas get manifested. So i start with simple exercises of breathing, grounding your body, getting to know your body and how you react in possible situations.
W: For our book we conduct systematic interviews with practitioners working on frontlines and individuals directly impacted by trauma in war-torn areas. These interviews we combine with photographs and drawings.
Could you share a compelling anecdote or story from your research that particularly resonated with you and exemplifies the transformative power of art and body-centered therapies in trauma healing?
W: In one of the health centers in Syria I was allowed to visit, a physiotherapist told me about a little boy who came to her with a physical war injury. At first he hardly spoke at all and was not motivated to do the exercises. The therapist had to come up with games to get him moving. With simple objects and a very improvised playground on the doorstep of the center, they began to build a basis for the therapy together. Through play and physical activity, they began to talk more and more and the boy talked about his psychological pain. In the end, it was only possible for the boy to alleviate the physical pain by classifying and dealing with the psychological trauma.
B: One of our interests lays in the objects that are built and crafted with minimal means and that do not originate from everyday medical or therapeutic life but rather come with a certain performative and artistic aura.
What challenges did you encounter while conducting research for “Healing Canvas,” and how did you overcome them?
B: Engaging with individuals who have experienced trauma requires careful ethical considerations to ensure their well-being and autonomy are respected. We must navigate issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, and the potential retraumatization of participants during interviews or therapy sessions.
W: Collecting and analyzing data in conflict-affected areas may be challenging due to disruptions in communication, limited access to technology, and difficulties in maintaining continuity in data collection. We developed robust data collection protocols but probably will always need to adapt our methodologies as needed to address these challenges while ensuring the validity and reliability of the findings.
What role do you believe art plays in empowering individuals to reclaim agency and resilience ?
B: Art is a fundamental part of human existence and social coexistence. It should therefore be given more importance in humanitarian missions following violent conflicts.
W: I think Art offers freedom to try out new ways of acting and encourages people with divergent views to exchange opinions. Through art, disregarded and disadvantaged people can assert their dignity and make themselves heard and recognized.
B: In order for art to develop these abilities, it must not be subjected to predetermined purposes or goals. It needs to be given room to maneuver without being tied to conditions or proof of success.
For whom is the book?
W: “Healing Canvas” is intended for a broad audience interested in exploring the transformative power of art and body-centered approaches in healing deep emotional wounds.
B: for all the people interested and engaged in community work and processes of recovery and reconciliation.
What key takeaways do you hope readers will gain from your work?
B: The immense human possibilities of recovery, be it from physical as from psychical trauma and pain is astonishing and gives as a lot of hope admit chaos and despair.
Thank you so much for the conversation and good luck with your very interesting project.