UST Psychology conducts MuPSYeum; immerses students in mental well-being and art
By: Tobey Calayo and Stephanie Vargas
The UST Psychology Society conducted MuPSYeum, an online three-part blog series of art workshops, bazaar postings, and zine exhibit from February 27 to March 3 as part of this year’s Psychology Week.
The “MuPSYeum” kickstarted with three workshops tackling different topics relating art with mental health and psychology. In the first workshop, artist, photographer, graphic designer, and illustrator Albert Raqueno waded into the ways one can find an art style, particularly punctuating on the value of exploring art at one’s own pace.
“Don’t be pressured sa ka-edad, sa pinanggalingan, sa family or friends. It [The artwork] would turn out good if natural siya sa’yo…. Connect with your five-year-old self in the sense of wonder, curiosity, passion, simplicity…. Honor your stories,” he also added as tips.
Raqueno further highlighted that along expressing one’s own stories through art, an artist can also base their artwork on current events and the experiences of other people.
“Ang art ay galing sa experience mo and also sa experience ng iba,” he said.
Moreover, as people usually find their art style through art inspirations from web resources, which display regularly and widely used art designs, Raqueno likewise noted on the importance of probing outside of these sets aesthetic regularities or standards.
“Disease ang clout, mahalaga na hindi mag-base lagi sa standards set by others,” he added.
He furthermore bared that one’s art style can be a reflection of an individual’s privilege in terms of one’s greater access to artworks.
The second workshop on the other hand, hosted by Anja Danielle Canare, tackled the ways and benefits of engaging oneself in coloring therapy.
“When it comes to coloring, there are no age limits… whether it is used as a leisure, as a hobby to unwind…,” Canare shared.
She further enumerated the coloring therapy’s psychological benefits, such as the relaxation it gives to one’s brain, enabling an individual to shift focus from anxiety-inducing thoughts, and the activation to one’s mindfulness.
The third and last workshop, hosted by Vhane Gabiola, also known as “Haranikala,” similarly delved into the translation of one’s emotions through art, spotlighting it as an avenue for self-expression without or beyond words.
“If we can’t express it [emotions] through words, we can express it through another form of art and movement…. Art is freedom. It is a safe space. It won’t judge you,” she reminded.
Besides making art, Haranikala also tapped into art viewing that improves one’s well-being, particularly through easing their minds, allowing one to feel rage and making oneself feel loved.
Apart from the workshops, MuPSYeum also provided an avenue for student-business owners of artsy products through bazaar postings, such as the hand-crafted accessories and jewelries of businesses Adonia & Co. by Jana Velasco and FABCreatives by Francesca Clemente, and through zine exhibit, where Psychology students were able to showcase their artworks, along with their contact details and art accounts, in case anyone is interested for commissions.
The UST Psychology Week 2023 celebration aims to foster the psychology students’ active participation in communities, engaging them in mental health advocacies and programs.
