A Journey to Wholeness: An Exhibition of Awareness & Art

Goeie Hoop Sielkundige Diens/Psychological Service (GHPS) presents a journey of artistic expression that depicts the experience of trauma. The journey is illustrated through artworks by Mariette Hutton as well as an installation representing the Garden of Healing and Reflection in Paarl. With this exhibition we want to honour the women and children we work with, and their immense strength and resiliency. Curated to allow for pause and reflection upon the human experience and its transformation from victim to victor.

Please note that due to the sensitive nature of the content of this artistic journey, it may be experienced as triggering. We advise that it is not suitable for children.

The purpose of the exhibition of awareness and art, is to bring a deeper understanding to the plight of traumatised women and children: An awareness of the inner landscapes of trauma as filtered through the heart, mind and hand of the artist and counsellor, Mariëtte Hutton. Mariëtte, who is an expressive artist and an accredited specialist wellness counsellor, mainly uses expressive art forms to guide clients towards hope.Thus line, mark, space and art supplies are used metaphorically to give form and expression to incidental horror and fear , but also to new lived experiences of hope, healing and strength.

The Garden – Place of Reflection and Healing is a project of the Psychiatric Support Group in Paarl run by Sara van Tonder. This unique garden on the grounds of TC Newman Clinic was developed by Sara and members of the group to reflect the trauma that rape victims experience as well as the therapeutic healing process. The garden opened in 2014 and is still being used regularly for therapeutic and training purposes.