Senior with a Brush in Gangnam! ... Gangnam-gu 'Senior Artist Exhibition' Held

Gangnam-gu to Exhibit 35 Artworks at Dementia Relief Center from 15th to 17th... Art Classes Available for Anyone Aged 60 and Above at the Center

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) will hold the 'Senior Artist Exhibition' from the 15th to the 17th at the 4th-floor exhibition hall of the Gangnam-gu Dementia Safety Center.

Started in 2016, the Senior Artist Exhibition showcases outstanding works created by seniors who participated in the art program at the Gangnam-gu Dementia Safety Center. Seniors who visited the center to overcome fear of dementia and to prevent it were introduced to painting for the first time here. As they developed interest and gradually created works good enough to be called artists, the exhibition was organized. In fact, some seniors began painting after the age of eighty and even held solo exhibitions.

This year’s exhibition features 35 acrylic paintings. Under the themes of 'Travel' and 'Family,' the paintings express positive feelings and hope in old age by capturing personally impressive or happy memories. The opening event on the 15th at 3 p.m. will include a Nanta performance, a sand art show, and an instant photo event at the photo zone.

The art program at the Gangnam-gu Dementia Safety Center is part of the 'Dementia Prevention Brain Health Solution,' which divides participants into groups of normal, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. Anyone aged 60 or older residing in the area can apply. The program consists of 90-minute weekly classes for three months, where participants engage in various art appreciation and creative activities from basic drawing to acrylic painting with a professional art therapist. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes are offered, with the advanced class preparing for the Senior Artist Exhibition.

Art therapy, one of the cognitive health programs, activates cognitive functions by moving the hands and stimulating fine motor skills. Additionally, beautiful colors and images promote brain activity. The painting process provides mental and physical relaxation, and completing artworks helps restore a sense of achievement and confidence. Detailed information about the classes can be found on the Gangnam-gu Dementia Safety Center website and YouTube channel, or by calling the center.

Jo Seong-myeong, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, stated, “The Dementia Safety Center raises awareness of dementia and the importance of management through early dementia screening and various cognitive health programs,” adding, “We will continue to operate dementia prevention projects to promote the health of seniors and support a happy senior life.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.