How can culture and museums contribute to well-being in society?

Architect and artist, Apolonija Šušteršič first installed Light Therapy in 1999 at Moderna Museet in Stockholm to explore how contemporary museums can act as a public space, and as social spaces for wellbeing.

Based in Toronto, Aaron Labbé is determined to change the way we approach the treatment of mental health. Inspired by the lack of non-invasive therapy options, Aaron created LUCID, an immersive sensory experience that aims to help people cope with anxiety, stress and depression, as well as improve overall mental health.

In a conversation moderated by Paynter, Šušteršič and Labbé will share their work and areas of concern, and together consider how institutions can find ways to bridge disciplines and introduce ideas to improve public well-being.

Light Therapy is the second project in the Art in Use series at MOCA. This year-long program presents works and public events that ask: Can art motivate social, political and cultural change? What meaningful role does art play in our lives? How can we use it as a tool?

Apolonija Šušteršič’s work is related to a critical analysis of space; usually focused on the processes and relationships between institutions, cultural politics, urban planning and architecture. Her broad-ranging interests stem from the study of space and continue its investigation into the social and political nature of our lived environment. She holds a PhD from the University of Lund, Malmö Art Academy, Sweden and is a professor in the Department of Art & Public Space art at Oslo National Academy for the Arts. She has participated in contemporary art institutions and events internationally.

For MOCA’s installation of Light Therapy, we sought the advice of Aaron Labbé who has spent more than four years exploring non-invasive therapy options including light and sound. Labbé’s thesis project resulted in LUCID, an immersive sensory experience designed to provide therapeutic support. LUCID is installed on Floor 1 of MOCA from January 18 – 27.

#themuseumisnotwhatitusedtobe #lighttherapy #artinuse

This event is sold out!

Depending on capacity, there may be tickets available at the museum before the event.
LUCID runs Jan. 18-27 and ‘Light Therapy’ is on view until April 30.

Apolonija Šušteršič’, Light Therapy, 2018.