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Art Therapy

As part of its work to rehabilitate drug addicts, late last year ARTM opened its Hold On to Hope coffee shop and exhibition gallery in the recently renovated yellow buildings of the former leprosarium of Ka-Hó.
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TThe first exhibition ‘Abstraction’ featuring works by recovering drug addicts in the ARTM rehabilitation program recently concluded, and more are being planned. The exhibition showcased artworks by Raul Martins and his students at the ARTM, and was curated by local artist, president of the Art for All Society (AFA), and director of the Macau Literary Festival, Alice Kok.
 
“Raul Martins not only teaches them the techniques of painting, but equally importantly, guides them to develop their own way of creation, to recognise the action, the process and the state of painting. It is a process of reflection and perception. Through art training, people can become more aware of their own state of being, thus becoming more mentally stable, more in control of themselves, and more able to release their creative energy,” notes Alice Kok.
 
“We exhibited various works of small bamboo and wooden sculptures, as well as acrylic paintings. These are works were all done by people who are in ARTM’s rehabilitation program,” explains Professor Raul Martins, who provided artistic guidance and instruction to the patients.
 
“From my point of view, I think we have quite worthy works. There is quality, and note that we are talking about people who have never studied art, who have never done anything artistic before. I really appreciate the final result of the works,” says the professor, himself a former drug addict. 
 
Raul Martins, also known as Raul Trabuco, has been self-taught in art for at least 15 years. And it is his incessant search for his artistic side that he tries to transmit to his students. “It’s a way for them to explore their potential as well. With a clearer head, more conscious, off drugs.”
 
The rehabilitation process for drug addicts in Macau takes about a year. During the process, the recovering addicts are taken through a series of activities that serve not only to prepare them for social insertion, but also to explore new paths for their future. Art turns out to be one of these paths. 
 
And the fact that they can exhibit their work helps them integrate more. “Integration, but above all greater confidence. These are individuals who have become marginalized by society. Having their work in an exhibition ends up giving them a sense of personal value. A value that they never felt they had,” Trabuco explains.
 
Born in Setubal, Portugal, Raul has lived in Macau since 1997.  Eight of his works were also exhibited in the show. 
 
“I like to do woodwork and drawings, but I identify myself more with painting. I paint by observation, and abstract painting is the current style that I like the most. Maybe because of its visual language, its form, and its color”, admits the professor.
 
Augusto Nogueira, president of ARTM, is also “proud” of the final result. “It is an exhibition that shows how art can be a therapy in the area of treatment and rehabilitation of resident drug addicts. We hope that the community will strongly support this project. I invite everyone to participate in this moment.”
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