Art for AIDS' sake
November 16, 2009
By: Karen Hye
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Karen Hye '10 always knew that she wanted to work in art therapy, but she didn't expect to have already made such an impact on lives across the globe.
Double-majoring in psychology and art, Karen took an early interest in HIV activism. From there, she determined that studying abroad in South Africa would be the most enriching learning experience. During her academic exchange at Rhodes University, Karen contacted an AIDS clinic in Grahamstown and started conducting weekly art therapy with women there.
During each meeting at the Raphael Centre, Karen asked the women to express a different aspect of themselves, such as their dreams, identities or experience of being HIV-positive. Though they had never before talked at this level, Karen observed how the art inspired them to be more open with their peers. "It gave them the confidence to tell their stories out loud to a larger audience," Karen remembers. "It was really powerful to see that."
Karen gave each woman a disposable camera and asked them to document their lives with HIV/AIDS. The clinic's manager recognized the potency of these artistic expressions and suggested that the photographs—together with drawings and personal testimonies—be exhibited during the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.
Karen recalls that one of the most stunning photographs was a street scene—with a funeral parlor as the focal point. The exhibit, "Defined by Four Letters," received national press. Karen herself was interviewed for television and print. "It was unbelievable to have that happen from an idea I had," Karen muses.
Working from her own mother's belief that beading is a form of art therapy, Karen also encouraged the women to make beadwork, which they sold at the festival. The women made 800 rand ($100), which equals a month's worth of groceries for each woman.
Karen is conducting a similar art therapy project for HIV patients in New York City this summer, examining happiness, contentment and self-esteem during the three stages of treatment. She intends to compare the NY and Africa studies in her psychology senior thesis.This is work she hopes to continue in India and China, where HIV is prevalent. After graduating, she hopes to enroll in NYU's art therapy program and to continue her work abroad.
Karen's art therapy project in New York City is supported by the Clarence Hodson Prize, which "rewards creativity, initiative, and intellectual curiosity" by providing funding to art students for study anywhere in the world. As preference is often given to music majors, Karen was particularly honored to win the prize: "I couldn't have done this without the grant."
Read more about Karen's experience on her "Art for AIDS' Sake" blog, or see the women's art on Flickr.
