The Zhonghe Community Rehabilitation Center (Hope Center), affiliated with the Baliao Mental Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. From December 4 to December 15, they are hosting the "Embracing Hope, Moving Forward Together" art exhibition at the Shuanghe Gallery on, the 4th floor of the National Taiwan Library. The exhibition is jointly planned by all the staff and participants of Hope Center, showcasing the artistic works of the participants.
"Embracing Hope, Moving Forward Together" Art Exhibition – Witness the Pure Beauty of the Soul (Photo / Provided by Baliao Mental Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare)
The director of Baliao Mental Hospital, Dr. Li Xinmin, stated that the hospital provides comprehensive and diversified healthcare for mental illnesses. In addition to routine medical treatment, the hospital also utilizes a variety of rehabilitation methods to help patients recover and enhance their daily functioning. The community rehabilitation center serves as a bridge for patients to quickly reintegrate into the community after being discharged. Through this art exhibition, they hope to let the general public understand mental illnesses from a different perspective. At the opening ceremony, New Taipei City Councilor Chang Jialing expressed her appreciation for the hospital’s efforts and the creative artwork of the participants, allowing the public to see the rehabilitation progress of individuals with mental disabilities.
Lin Qiuju, the curator and full-time administrator of the hospital, pointed out that the participants’ works are not about how skilled they are in painting, but rather about the effort they put in to complete their works. The exhibition is divided into four main themes:
- Brain Rock Zone: The artworks reflect the participants' struggles and situations while dealing with their symptoms.
- Hope Budding Zone: The works in this area show the gradual stabilization of the participants' conditions.
- Heart’s Direction Zone: Features many personal artworks by the participants, showcasing how they use art to record their imagination and daily life.
- Soaring Wings Zone: Symbolizes the participants’ ability to "spread their wings and fly" back into the community after completing rehabilitation.
Exhibition of Participants' Works (Photo / Provided by Baliao Mental Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare)
Liao Minling, the director of Hope Center, mentioned that since its establishment, the center has adhered to the concept of "support and empowerment." This art exhibition not only features the participants' works but also challenges them to serve as guides. She hopes that people will take the time to visit, view the artworks, and hear the participants' stories about their rehabilitation journey. The bicycle and the wings at the end of the exhibition are made from medication capsules for psychiatric treatment. They hope that everyone can follow the footsteps of the "recovery bicycle" to witness the participants' recovery journey and help them "spread their wings and fly."
The director of occupational therapy, Zhang Ziqiang, stated that showcasing the participants' works brings them a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, serving as guides and interacting with the general public significantly enhances their communication skills, which cannot be achieved through medication alone. Through activities like this, they hope to help participants integrate into the community smoothly and enjoy a new, happy life. They also aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and promote the effectiveness of successful rehabilitation. The public is invited to visit the Shuanghe Gallery on the 4th floor of the National Taiwan Library from December 4 to December 15 to appreciate their works and give direct support to individuals with mental disabilities.
