Conference and exhibition at the Atatürk Cultural Centre Nicosia

By Heidi Trautmann 

Children want to do art things in such a way, that they get praised; but not only children, also adults need compliments for motivation. But what is art and what is creativity? It is the interpretation by an individual of what he/she sees, feels or hears, so, is there a right way and a wrong way? Is there a rule of how things are done? No, there is not; there is only her/his way, there is only my way. I did it my way.

This philosophy, this method of education, here of art education, was introduced early last century by Bruno Munari ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Munari), and as Bahar Cirali who is the founder of the artterapi artschool, has studied art therapy in Italy, she is quite familiar with his methods.

On September 19 she gave a conference at the AKM Nicosia for invited guests, teachers and parents, to explain the background and the ideas of Bruno Munari’s philosophy.

It is the freedom to show your feelings, your interpretation, and for children it is important to experiment in order to find to themselves, gain self-confidence, and not to be blocked by know-it-alls. Experimenting….to open the doors to imagination….create associations….these are exercises to widen general perception.

On the basis of one of Bruno Munari’s books Bahar Cirali took her children students on an experimental tour and I could see that they really enjoyed it from the paintings which were on display at the adjoining exhibition hall.

If you are interested to learn more contact artterapi and/or visit their facebook site https://www.facebook.com/ARTTERAPI/