Releasing the load on canvas: stories of art and migration

Abstract

The fabric of the city of Tijuana is woven by multiple migratory histories, being a place of landing and passage, a lobby for those who emigrate while finding their place in the world, or to reside. These stories, most of which are invisible, include other ways of going through life and show us the difficulties of surviving on the way to their destination. Thus, the purpose of this study is to give space and canvas to capture emotions, experiences, dreams and stories of migration, manifest it in artistic work and share it through an art therapy program carried out in two shelters in this city. During the intervention, we observed that art and its manifestations, is indeed a means of access to foster resilience, the expression of emotions and grief, while enabling decision making. The participants expressed relief from anxiety and release of emotions such as pain, sadness, and anger, while awakening joy and happiness; they also reported having regained motivation and courage to continue their journey. Among the fruits of the intervention were the creation of support networks, regaining clarity and encouragement, and the possibility of expressing their journey.