Art gives insight into dementia experience

Project Picasso is an award winning art therapy program for people living with dementia, led by Western Australian aged care provider, Amana Living.

It began three years ago as a small pilot initiative at Amana Living Salter Point (Peter Arney Home) by Amana Living enrichment coach, Kylie Mathieson, and expanded to 12 care centres the following year.

The artworks were produced over a six week period with the help of Amana Living staff and about 60 volunteers. Each centre received a modest budget, the only guidelines being to produce 10 framed pieces and 10 other works.

For the first time this year, Ms Mathieson introduced an optional theme – ‘Circus’ – inspired by the forthcoming Amana Living residents’ and clients’ party, where the artworks will be shared via an audio visual display.

“The theme has been useful in stimulating memories and ideas,” Ms Mathieson said. “Many older people have fond memories of going to the circus, and the theme has produced some lively, colourful artworks,” she added.

One of the artists participating in the exhibition said that his painting shows how his brain ‘feels’.

“The exploding patterns that he has painted are vivid; this was an extraordinary insight into the pathophysiology of the disease,” said Louise Hancock, Amana Living manager of dementia and restorative services.

“We have been blown away by the talent that our residents and clients living with dementia have displayed. Sadly though, people who used to be highly artistic have lost some of their skills – evidence of the damage that the disease does to the brain. Nevertheless, the results are fascinating and often surprising,” Ms Hancock said.

More than 100 residents and clients from 12 Amana Living care centres have produced 240 artworks for the Project Picasso Exhibition at Christchurch Grammar School, which will be launched on 16 July by Amana Living chairman, Steve Scudamore.

This year sees the third annual Project Picasso Exhibition, with the public invited to view the artworks and purchase pieces by anonymous donation. Funds raised will be put towards Project Picasso 2015.

Ray Glickman, Amana Living chief executive, said: “This year’s Project Picasso has seen some fantastic group projects, three dimensional artwork and other creative expressions. One coordinator said she gave a client a teaspoon and paint. The client threw the paint at the canvas, creating an array of texture, depth and colour. Expressive work like this will be worth seeing.”

Project Picasso Exhibition – event details

Venue: Sandover Hall, Christ Church Grammar School, Queenslea Drive, Claremont

Launch time/date: Wednesday, 16 July 2014, from 10:30 – 11:30am

Exhibition opening times/dates: 16 – 18 July 2014, from 10am – 1pm