School of Creative
Industries
Chen Yue
Chen Yue's background as an art teacher with a degree in visual arts communication, coupled with her previous work with populations facing mental and physical challenges, allowed her to integrate her artistic self into her therapeutic practice. Through her training in LASALLE College of the Arts' MA Art Therapy programme, Chen Yue expanded her clinical expertise to patients within palliative care, those living with dementia, and children with special needs.
Chen Yue's artistic versatility spans traditional Chinese painting, new art, oil painting, material painting, sculpture and media art. Her commitment to expressing psychological concepts through art underscores her evolving professional identity.
Work
Touching
Steel mesh, nutshells
180 x 30 cm
2024
Art has always served as a medium for interaction and expression, enhancing the way we experience our senses like sound or touch. Here, malleable steel awaits shaping, while the nutshells serve as a vessel to hold echoes and sentiments.
The artist used to explore objects in nature and find meaning through playful interactions. She now invites the viewer to imagine themselves enveloped in the artwork and to let their exploration begin.
Thesis abstract
Enhancing communication with children with special needs through individual art therapy in Singapore
This qualitative thesis focuses on the role of individual art therapy in enhancing communication with three children aged between five and 12 with special needs in Singapore. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experiences gained during a local internship, the study specifically explores the application of art therapy in facilitating communication with them. The research design utilised qualitative methods, including in-depth observations and discussions with caregivers and participants.
Findings indicated that art therapy held significant potential in enhancing communication willingness, habit and pattern. The non-verbal nature of art-based interventions helped them express their emotions and communicate their thoughts, feelings and experiences in a supportive environment. The use of different art materials and various artistic techniques based on individual assessments also demonstrated the capacity to overcome the limitations.
This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing case based evidence of the confirmability of art therapy in enhancing communication with children aged between five to 12 with special needs in the Singaporean community. The findings highlighted the importance of integrating client-specific art therapy approaches into advancing communication among this cohort of children.