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ART THERAPY IN THE MATHARE SLUM (NAIROBI, KENYA)

Mariusz Antolak

Abstract

The aim of this work was to obtain and analyze information concerning the perception of the landscape by children from one of the Kenyan slums. The paper presents the results of research carried out at the MCEDO school located in the Mathare slum (Nairobi, Kenya). Research was carried out in January 2015. The preparation stage consisted in making contact with the school management, preparing the materials needed to carry out the workshops, selecting respondents and conducting the library query. The research consisted in analyzing the artistic works of children created during the workshops. A detailed analysis of the most frequently used landscape components in children's works was made. Selected objects were digitized, analysis of the arrangement of these objects on the drawings was carried out, and their typology was compiled. 35 works made with mixed techniques (pencils, coloured pencils, pastels) were analyzed. In addition, surveys were carried out among project participants. The research topic concerned the perception of the landscape and its selected components by children. Emphasis was placed on questions about the landscape and trees - the landscape component that occurred in children's works most often. The landscape is perceived by project participants as a space that gives many benefits. Most of the works show elements that children would like to see, not those that they see around them. Apart from the research aspect, the workshops were also a kind of treat from everyday problems - a kind of art therapy.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2018/3.4/S13.008

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