Finding Peace From Within - Two Exhibitions That Explore Art’s Role in Healing and Hope
In today’s world—where stress, anxiety, and disconnection often feel like the norm—art can act as a gentle lifeline, reminding us of what makes us human. This month, I’m honored to share about two exhibitions—each offering powerful perspectives on healing, hope, and inner transformation through visual storytelling.
Photography by Cherry Laithang
"Finding Light Within the Dark" - Curated by Heather Evans Smith as Online Exhibition
Hosted on the platform of TTP (Through the Photograph), an NGO using photography to support mental health awareness, this online exhibition invites artists to explore the glimmers of light that appear in our personal or collective darkness.
TTP believes photography is a powerful tool of expression, accessible to everyone regardless of their background or formal training. The initiative offers online and physical exhibitions, traveling slideshow series, and a growing publishing imprint—all rooted in mental health advocacy.
Included photographers
Alice Muratore, Ally Christmas, Ana Francisco-Horsthuis, Anna Sibylla, Chris Byrnes, Dana Stirling, Diana Hagues, Elizabeth Hopkins, Emily Buckley, Emmalyn Pure, Frances Bukovsky, Gueret Anne Laure, Jill Galloway Sherman, Katalin Száraz, Kathryn Rodrigues, Landry Major, Linda Plaisted, Luiza Preda, Maria Siorba, Marion Pons, Oliver Raschka, Preston Utley, Rachel Demy, Rebecca Jacobs, Samantha Jell, Sandra Davidon, Sarah Jayne Kennelly, Tianyun Chen, Torrance York.
Below, you’ll find one of the pieces from my Insight-Out photography project, which I first published in 2018 as part of my thesis. In this project, I explored the therapeutic role of photography in uncovering the subconscious, drawing on Carl Jung's reflections about the shadow and the importance of confronting our darker sides. The work is rooted in the idea that art can provide a lens through which we can better understand ourselves, reveal hidden emotions, and embark on a path of self-discovery and healin
One piece of Insight-Out photography series was part of this online photography exthibition
Insight-Out is a series of photographs using the light-painting technique to bring the unseen world of meditation into visual form. In complete darkness, I use long exposure photography to trace light across my body, capturing the way meditation feels—like discovering a hidden glow within.
Just as photography means "drawing with light"—from the Greek phōs (light) and graphê (drawing)—this project reflects how, by turning inward, we can find clarity and strength even in uncertain times. I began this work while struggling with depression and social anxiety, searching for a way to reconnect with myself. Through meditation, I discovered that even in darkness, there is light to be found. Insight-Out is an invitation to explore the subconscious mind, embrace inner stillness, and recognize that the light and hope we seek in the world often begins within us.
"Price of Peace" - Curated by Alex Kollerová at Lauttasaari Church, Helsinki
Participating artists
Sahar Ajami, Irina Anderson, Mari Blomroos-Heininen, Tania Crossingham, Edris, Vahid Good, Veronika Gramotina, Kateryna Harahulia, Mayah Holmberg, Mila iloria, Julia Izmailova, JuGa, Olesia Komarova, Rufina Kulbaeva, Helena Kulishova, Moe Louanjli, Ekaterina Myllykoski, Gaiane Pogosova, Luiza Preda, Tania Potapenko, ShkuRte Ramushi, Sukhi Raghunath, Katharina Schmidt, Alexandra Stroganova, Maria Teplykh, Ravali Vaddady, Claudia Varjotie, Gloria Velasco, Don Villaluz, Klaudia Weber.
“Price of Peace” challenges the notion that peace is merely the absence of conflict. This contemplative visual art exhibition—set in the peaceful Lauttasaari Church on a quiet Helsinki island—asks deeper questions: What does it cost to maintain peace? What must be sacrificed or reimagined?
Hosted by the Helsinki International Artists’ Association (HIAA), a vibrant and inclusive artist-run community, this exhibition brought together creators from diverse backgrounds. The space offered visitors a chance to reflect not only on global struggles but also on their inner relationships with harmony, justice, and forgiveness.
One piece of I CAN’T SEE photography series was part of the art exhibition at Lauttasaari Church
This work is part of the I CAN’T SEE photography series, which was first presented as a solo exhibition at the Museum of Art in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in 2017. The series explores the use of digital photography as a therapeutic tool for processing trauma and deepening spiritual self-awareness, drawing on principles of Jungian psychology. Through its engagement with the subconscious, it reflects on the inner journey of healing, offering a visual language to explore emotional and psychological recovery.
Why Lauttasaari Church
Lauttasaari Church, designed by architect Eero Saarinen, combines modern Scandinavian architecture with open, light-filled spaces, making it an inviting environment for art exhibitions. Its minimalist design and large windows create a serene atmosphere that enhances the contemplative nature of art, offering a perfect setting for engaging with the public.
The church is a central community hub, where families, children, and local residents gather for various activities, including workshops and gym sessions. Hosting an exhibition here brings art directly to the local community, making it accessible to people who may not typically visit galleries. It transforms the church into a space where art and social connection intersect, inviting visitors to experience the healing power of creativity in their everyday environment.
Why We Need Art Now More Than Ever
In a world where disconnection and uncertainty often shape our daily lives, art is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It gives us a language for what is hard to say, a space to explore complex emotions, and a bridge to greater empathy and understanding.
These two exhibitions, one global and online, the other rooted in a local Finnish community, are perfect examples of how art can serve as a catalyst for healing and change. Whether through photography, painting, or illustration, visual language speaks to us across cultures and identities. It reminds us that we are not alone. In the darkness, creativity becomes a beacon. It gives us strength, voice, and vision—helping us find our way back to feeling whole.
Through Creative Harmony, I believe art should not be reserved for a privileged few, but opened up to everyone—as a pathway to healing, reflection, and shared experience. Whether through photography, fine art, or creative storytelling, these exhibitions show us that art can illuminate what’s hidden, restore what feels broken, and help us imagine a more connected, compassionate future.
I leave you with some food for thought, warm greetings from the cold nordic spring and this video to inspire you!
Don’t leave yet! What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
Would you like to see more art in your local community?
Would you like to be part of more art activities?
Did art ever give you hope or strength to go forward? If yes, in what way?
Would love to hear your story!
#HealingThroughArt #CreativeWellbeing #FineArtPhotography #MentalHealthAwareness #ArtForChange
