The research project Art & Anxieties, led by researcher Jess Henderson, delves into the intersection of mental health, the arts and creative industries, with a special focus on psychogeography. In an era where mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, Henderson investigates how cultural production can make urgencies visible and bring problematics of creativity-as-work up for discussion. This project positions art as both a powerful tool to make ill feelings more tangible, whilst contributing to the broader societal conversation of mental wellbeing and livelihood precarity.
Research Aim
“What are the causes of the proliferation of phenomena such as burnout, anxiety, and depression within the arts and creative industries, and what is the potential in artistic aestheticizations of such findings?”
This is the central question of Art & Anxieties. Through artistic research, new approaches are developed to give aesthetic form to feelings of discontents, uncertainty, and other psychological tensions. The project bridges societal relevance and artistic research. While mental health continues to rise on the public agenda, Henderson’s work offers an artistic perspective that extends beyond biomedical narratives. By using psychogeography and figure-ground analysis as a method, the research explores how environments influence individuals’ mental and emotional states.
Relevance and Impact
Emotion and aesthetics are crucial in shaping how people experience and engage with their surroundings. This research provides insights for both artists and researchers interested in the psychological impact of contemporary society. Henderson’s artistic approach raises awareness, encouraging reflection and dialogue on the lived experience of today’s artists and creative workers.
Future Applications
The findings of Art & Anxieties will be integrated into educational practices, offering inspiration for future modules and workshops within Avans University of Applied Sciences. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art, work, and mental health, encouraging them to explore these concepts within their own creative practice.
Ongoing project (started January 2024)