WoWs Art Exhibition brightens RBWH 

The annual Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Windows to our World (Wow) Art Exhibition has launched this week, coinciding with Queensland Mental Health Week (10-17 October). 

The exhibition includes artwork by Mental Health patients, guest artists and staff of the RBWH Mental Health Service. It is curated by the Occupational Therapy Assistants as part of the Meaningful Activities Program.  

No stranger to the WoWs Exhibition, Paul Goullet’s incredible work has brightened the walls of RBWH many times over the years. This year, Paul has been chosen as one of the feature artists in the exhibition. 

“My parents got me into art when I was a child in the seventies and these days my apartment is filled with more than 150 of my pieces,” Paul said. 

“I tend to create ‘bursts’ of art, creating up to ten similar pieces at a time using vibrant colours and techniques from the post pop expressionist and Roundism movements. 

“Over the years, I’ve found that painting helps me to relax, take my mind off my illness and makes me feel young.” 

RBWH Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant and Coordinator of the Meaningful Activities Program said that art is a vital tool to assist mental health and other patients with their recovery. 

“Our team of three spends time in different wards across the hospital using art, alongside a range of other activities, to assist our patients. Instead of teaching a typical art class, we provide the materials and the idea and allow our patients to express themselves however they wish. 

“It’s amazing to see what our patients can achieve, despite what they are going through. 

“For some people, it’s their first chance they’ve had to be creative since school. Suddenly, they’re in hospital and are finding themselves with time to try something new. It’s a great way for them to express how they’re feeling in a constructive way and to distract them from the complexities of life.” 

All funds raised by WoWs goes towards materials to provide meaningful activities for consumers in the acute mental health inpatient unit.  

You can view the exhibition between 12-30 October at the RBWH ARTSPACE, located in the walkway between the Ned Hanlon and Joyce Tweddell Buildings.  

Purchase art from the exhibition at https://windows-to-our-world-wow-2020.myshopify.com/. 

For more information, email RBWHmap@health.qld.gov.au