Elles,
The Aurora Borealis, caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth's magnetic field, creates breathtaking displays of light in the northern sky. Elles or Aurora Borealis draws inspiration from this natural phenomenon, as well as the Hebrew word El, meaning God, symbolizing the illumination of the divine essence within individuals. The project explores the power of light and darkness—both visually and symbolically.
In collaboration with photographer Theo Leonowitz, Elles empowers young women through art while examining how creativity influences emotional well-being, guided by polyvagal theory. At its core, The Seven Sisters brought together two groups of women—one focused on visual arts, the other on dance and dramatic staging—creating a dialogue between art forms. The concept of 'Care Spaces' explored how creativity, music, and movement can foster emotional healing. The project culminated in a dance photography series using light painting, capturing the dynamic interplay of light and darkness to symbolize unity, empowerment, and the divine essence within us all.
Through mindfulness, creativity, and neuroscience, Elles offers a framework for how art-based therapies can support mental health in urban environments and higher education.
Artistically, the project includes a series of figurative and abstract portraits, a photography series shot by Theo Leonowitz, an immersive installation by Garance Paule and a Dance Photography series created wtih RCA researcher Bella Lan.
A project by Theo Leonowtiz and Garance Paule, more images at theoleon.uk
Aurora
WATERCOLOUR PORTRAITS OF THE SEVEN SISTERS
Susanna, Nalani , Mina, Sydney
Watercolors on Paper
Before inviting a participant into the project, I engage in a personal conversation while painting their watercolor portrait. This process fosters intimacy and dialogue, allowing me to explore their personality and inspire an abstract piece that reflects their essence. Through attentive listening and collaboration, I aim to create a portrait that makes each participant feel truly heard and seen, resulting in a unique, shared installation entitled ‘AURORA’ combining portraits, elements of decor and abstract pieces inspired by the symbolic artwork of Hilma Af Klint where observation meets imagination
.
FRANKY AND SOPHIA
Acrylics on Wood
For some participants, I created figurative watercolor portraits, capturing their likeness in a traditional style. For others, our time together inspired more abstract works, drawing on forms and shapes influenced by the archives of Hilma af Klint. These abstract portraits explore deeper themes such as time, identity, and womanhood, reflecting the unique qualities of each participant and the dialogue we shared.
Susanna, Nalani , Mina, Sydney
Watercolors on Paper
Before inviting a participant into the project, I engage in a personal conversation while painting their watercolor portrait. This process fosters intimacy and dialogue, allowing me to explore their personality and inspire an abstract piece that reflects their essence. Through attentive listening and collaboration, I aim to create a portrait that makes each participant feel truly heard and seen, resulting in a unique, shared installation entitled ‘AURORA’ combining portraits, elements of decor and abstract pieces inspired by the symbolic artwork of Hilma Af Klint where observation meets imagination
.
FRANKY AND SOPHIA
Acrylics on Wood
AURORA
INSTALLATION BY GARANCE PAULE
In the Visual Art sessions we explored different modalities including Life drawing and symbolic painting, evaliuating their effectiveness in cultivating internal composure and vulnerability,
for discussion, Motherhood, Sisterhood, Sexuality, Bodily Representation, Personal image, incorporating elements of Light and Dialogue.
ELLES captured by Theo Leonowitz
ECc n
Borealis
The last session of Elles culminated in the faciliation of a Women’s Circle weaving Immersive sound, Tibetan singing bowl, Sharing on the theme of Transformation and finally, Artifical Intelligence Assisted Light Painting lead by Bella Lan, a queer researcher.
AURORA BOREALIS
by Bella Lan & Garance Paule
by Bella Lan & Garance Paule