Participants of Good Times: Art for Older People at Dulwich Picture Gallery shared a unique opportunity to engage both body and spirit in relaxing movement inspired by the Gallery’s current exhibition, Ragamala Paintings from India: Poetry, Passion, Song.
Community groups had the opportunity to try something new and gain the wellbeing benefits of combining creative art and gentle physical exercise. These extremely popular workshops were led by Liverpool based Indian dance practitioner Bisakha Sarker, who brought warmth and inspiration to the elderly community in South London.
Good Times at Dulwich Picture Gallery
Each workshop commenced with a guided tour of the exhibition to learn about the stories behind the colourful paintings. Workshops were tailored to the needs and abilities of the participants. Images, music and story were the basis and inspiration for all the movement workshops.
Indian Dances
Although the physical benefits of movement, such as increased mobility, strength and balance are apparent, Bisakha eloquently explained the difference between dance and exercise: ‘Exercise is just instruction. Whereas dance comes from a deeper place, from an emotional connection that leads each movement.’ Some workshops peaked with expressive movement around the room while others were characterised by peaceful calmness and tranquillity. One group, whose mobility was limited used their body-language to create rhythms and sounds.
Participants were intrigued and delighted to learn a new way of expressing themselves with acquired skills that could easily be taken home, enhancing the lasting effects of creativity in older people.
One participant commented: ‘A most enjoyable and rewarding afternoon. Everybody, non-dancers included, joined in and discovered their hidden talent for movement.’ Participants left inspired by the spiritual nature of Indian dance. ‘I see each of you waking up and becoming a dancer which gives me great pleasure’ Bisakha proudly told one group.
These Ragamala Dance Workshops are another wonderful stepping stone for Dulwich Picture Gallery’s Community Engagement Good Times Programme. Vibrant activities for older people take place weekly in the Gallery and out in the community. These increase understanding of the benefits of art practice on wellbeing and offer those who are elderly and isolated a chance to socialise and learn new skills.
Upcoming projects include a collaborative project with Arts 4 Dementia. Dementia sufferers and their carers will join professional artists in a series of painting and printing workshops as part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week, a new initiative by the London Arts in Health Forum. Local community coordinators will acquire new skills to facilitate sessions with their respective groups, using classical music to inspire drawing.
Jason Singh Beatboxer/Vocal Sculptor will combine contemporary music techniques, such as, Beat-boxing and experimental sound design, with Indian classical vocals during the Ragamala Remixed performance
The Ragamala Exhibition has inspired other Community Engagement Projects at Dulwich Picture Gallery. A late night opening of the temporary exhibitions, on Thursday 24 May 2012 from 5-9pm, invites visitors to enjoy an evening of innovative music, tours and creativity at Dulwich Picture Gallery. This will follow an afternoon of ‘Musical Miniatures’, four Southwark schools interpreting the Ragamala paintings through song and dance in the Gallery.
The evening will include an exclusive performance by the Dulwich Picture Gallery, Urban Youth programme, ‘Ragamala Remixed’ project; with young people from Fairbridge. Fairbridge centres are based in 15 of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK and help young people classed as having ‘multiple needs’, such as homelessness, substance misuse or a history of offending, take their first step back into education, training or work.
The Youth Engagement Programme at Dulwich Picture Gallery and Fairbridge share the same vision to give young people the motivation, self-confidence and skills they need to change their lives. ‘Ragamala Remixed’, led by sound artist and ‘Vocal Sculptor’ Jason Singh, will combine; contemporary music techniques, such as, beat-boxing and experimental sound design, with Indian classical vocals.
The performance for the late night opening of the Ragamala exhibition will be the culmination of a series of voice and sound designing workshops, giving the young people from Fairbridge the tools to rework the ‘Raga’ music that accompanies the miniature paintings.
Late night opening events and performance take place throughout the evening on 24 May from 5pm-9pm. ‘Musical Miniatures’, ‘Ragamala Remixed’ and all events in the Gallery are included with a valid standard exhibition ticket. Wine will also be available at a pay bar during the late night opening.
Book your Late Night tickets online: www.eventbrite.com
Event location: Dulwich Picture Gallery - Gallery Road, London SE21 7AD
