Exhibition

Since 2010, the School of Visual Arts and the Valetudo Association have mounted a joint exhibition to promote the therapeutic value of making art. The exhibitions, each with its own theme, are presented at the Romanesque cloister of Saint-Paul de Mausole, part of a historic monastery in Saint-Remy de Provence where Valetudo operates a psychiatric clinic. In the late 19th century Vincent van Gogh was treated for over a year at Saint-Paul, and as a patient was encouraged to paint—in effect, a form of art therapy. Starry Night, The Irises and many other celebrated works demonstrate the period at the clinic as one of his most productive.

The transatlantic partnership, that originated in an exchange of exhibitions between Valetudo and the MPS Art Therapy Department, now involves the works of students and alumni across SVA. The College provides the clinic with photographic prints on which some of the patients then paint or make collages. The resultant pieces are the physical manifestation of a shared belief in the value of art therapy, and of art and culture in healing.