Virtual Arts - Virtual Art Tours and Art Therapy with de Fiddes

April has been a lovely month for us here at de Fiddes. We have relaxed, had some unwanted (yet rejuvenating) isolation and some very enjoyable public holidays. One of the things we love to do when we have the time is to go to a gallery or two. Viewing art is so revitalizing and inspiring. It lights a spark in us, so it is not surprising that art and art therapy is a great activity for our aged care residents too.

Whilst visiting a gallery is always a great day out, it is not always possible to do so. As an alternative we love NGV’s virtual self-guided tours! This allows the watcher to ‘walk’ around the exhibitions and gallery halls. We especially enjoyed and wanted to review the NGV’s Australian Impressionism Collection, She Oak and Sunlight. With over 250 works paired in thought provoking groups. The exhibition asks the viewer to consider the global context and personal relationships by juxtaposing the Australian Impressionists with their international counterparts such as Monet.

The works are nostalgic, the classic landscapes of Australia we have come to know and love with snapshots of the past like Tom Robert’s iconic Shearing the Rams. The virtual tour synchs to an audio guide, so you can view and listen at the same time. The guide has great antidotes and stories from the artists, as well as the curators’ thoughts and insights. We think this is a great idea as an activity to do with a loved one or a resident. As the virtual tours work great from an ipad, phone, TV and of course, computer!

 View the Gallery for yourself here.

In other inspiration, we found this photo competition for Seniors Card WA, called the Golden Lens. They are currently holding voting for the People’s Choice awards.

The winner will receive a $50 Kailis Seafood voucher and a 2 hour photography package. The competition aims to promote ageing well by celebrating the skills of older Western Australians through the art of photography. It truly demonstrates that people can learn to create at any age.  We can get behind that!

 This is an annual competition and voting is open now till the 13th May 2022.

 To vote click ‘like’ on the image of your choice on the Seniors Card Facebook Page here.

If you want to know more about the cross section of art, art therapy, interiors and Dementia Design contact us here.