In Burdur, art and science united as one heart for "healing"

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Bucak Emin Gülmez Technical Sciences Vocational School Design Department head Assoc. Prof. Fatıma Tokgöz Gün curated an international art event, adding a new one to Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ)'s "Social Contribution" mission. The "1st International Healing with Art Meeting" exhibition, combining the healing power of art with the healing hands of medicine, was presented to art lovers in the hospital foyer area, in collaboration with MAKÜ Bucak Emin Gülmez Technical Sciences Vocational School, MAKÜ Social Contribution Coordination, and Burdur State Hospital.

In the exhibition featuring approximately 100 works, pieces prepared in different techniques and themes attracted attention. The most significant aspect that made the exhibition special was the permanent donation of all exhibited works to Burdur State Hospital. Thus, the artworks will be a source of morale for patients and staff in various areas of the hospital for many years.

“Art supports psychological well-being”

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Burdur State Hospital Chief Physician Op. Dr. Murat Yüksel emphasized the positive impact of art on the human soul. Yüksel stated, “It is very valuable for art to come together with healing. While these works provide an aesthetic atmosphere to our hospital, they will also contribute to the psychological well-being of our patients and staff. Art truly heals the soul.”

University and hospital hand in hand

Yüksel stated that the university-hospital collaboration is strengthening day by day and mentioned that they are progressing towards the affiliation process. He said that such projects are a product of common sense and social responsibility, adding, “The works presented offer significant gains for the benefit of society.”

"They Will See Hope, Not Gray Walls" 

In the opening speech of the exhibition, curator Assoc. Prof. Fatıma Tokgöz Gün emphasized that art is not only an aesthetic value but also a spiritual medicine. The emotional speech included the following expressions:

"We wanted a relative of a patient walking anxiously in the corridors to see a color saying 'you are not alone' instead of a cold and gray wall when they lift their head. We wanted a patient receiving treatment to find themselves in a flower garden or an Anatolian tale for a moment when they look at a painting. Healing is not only physical; healing is touching the soul."

“A Silent Thank You to Healthcare Workers”

 The project did not forget the healthcare workers who are with us in the most challenging moments of our lives. Works such as "Tree of Hope," "Healing from the Heart," and "Love that Heals," which will adorn the hospital corridors, took their place on the walls as an artistic expression of gratitude to the healthcare staff working day and night.

The “Healing with Art Meeting” exhibition was evaluated as an exemplary project in terms of making young artists' productions visible and giving more space to art in healthcare environments.