School of Creative
Industries
Lau Tse Xuan
Formerly trained in visual arts at the School of the Arts Singapore, Tse Xuan continued her fine arts journey in LASALLE where she attained First Class Honours.
Through her education journey, she developed a keen interest in working with the community. Currently, her interest lies in working with seniors – in particular persons with dementia and clients in the palliative ward.
In her postgraduate research, she explored the relation between neuroscience and art therapy as a basis for her practice and is passionate to improve treatment modalities for persons with dementia. As Tse Xuan's practice lies within the intersection of the arts, science and technology, she believes that interdisciplinary practices are necessary to advance the future of healthcare.
Work
Amaryllis
Video installation, AI generated images
3 mins (loop)
2024
We can continue to live in the very special environment which we carry forward with us only until we begin to decay more quickly then we can reconstitute ourselves.” – Wiener, 1950
As a response to this statement, Amaryllis is a video installation that depicts the reconstruction of the amaryllis flower. Symbolising both strength and tenacity, the amaryllis flower honours resilience in the interactions with persons with dementia.
While the disintegration of the flower parallels deterioration, the flower stands as a reminder of the self and support. Reference is made to Tom Kitwood’s person-centred care, emphasising that personhood does not diminish as dementia progresses. The use of technology highlights systems that are within and surround us as the touchstone of our identity.
Thesis abstract
Intersections in dementia care: A preliminary investigation into a neuroscience-informed art therapy practice in Singapore
This thesis explores the therapeutic implications of integrating a neuroscience-informed art therapy practice as a non-pharmacological intervention for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a community hospital in Singapore. The thesis outlines the context and current literature between neuroscience and art therapy to understand the underlying mechanisms manifested in the observations within the therapeutic alliance.
Creative expression in art therapy provides valuable insight into the internal experiences to rethink the causation of the disease and acknowledge the unique subjectivities of persons with AD. This validates their experience and the reality of their feelings. In employing a single case vignette, this thesis examines aesthetic moments in enhancing personhood for individuals with AD.