Meditation and Art Contemplation
Join Us
Observe. Contemplate. Connect.
In our weekly Meditation and Art Contemplation program we’ll slow down and spend time with one artwork, moving beyond initial impressions to truly see the work.
Each session will be introduced by experienced meditation practitioners Michelle Wood and Paul Wood. The session will begin with a period of silent meditation, followed by slow looking, before a shared reflection.
This program combines the benefits of regular meditation with the enriching impact of art, in the quiet space of the gallery after hours.
Over the course of 10 weeks you’ll have the opportunity to connect with 10 different artworks, and experience the way in which an artwork can reveal itself over time.
A great opportunity to try a new form of meditation, particularly those who prefer visual stimulus to audio or guided meditation.
What is slow looking?
The practice of observing detail over time, moving beyond first impressions and into an immersive experience with an artwork, an idea, a text, or scene.
What to expect
At the beginning of each session, Michelle and Paul will provide an introduction to meditation, supporting participants that might be new to the practice. No prior meditation experience is necessary.
The meditation portion of the session will be silent, and the gallery will be closed to the public. Participants will be seated on either chairs or cushions, in front of the featured artwork for the week.
Participants will then be invited to undertake a period of slow looking and artwork appreciation. Following this, participants will be guided through a moment of sharing and reflection.
The program is recommended for adults 18 and over.
Practitioner Biography
Michelle Wood
Michelle Wood has been a practitioner of meditation for twenty-five years. She completed postgraduate studies in Zen Buddhism and creative writing. In 2017, she was awarded a PhD from the University of Kent, Canterbury. Her doctorate explored how to narrate the transformative effects of silent meditation, walking in nature and reading literature.
Michelle also works as a narrative therapist with thirty years of experience counselling individuals, couples, and families. She is a registered professional supervisor with the Australian Counselling Association and provides supervision and consultation to professionals in the counselling, health, legal, religious, government, business, community and education sectors.
Paul Wood
Paul Wood has served as a priest in several parishes in Australia and the United Kingdom. He has also worked as a counsellor for eight years in a community health setting. He is a keen student of C.G. Jung. He walks, writes, and paints.
‘Since a young boy I have always sought places of solitude for reflection, recovery and expansion of mind and heart. I have come to understand that true solitude is not about escape from the world, rather it is about encountering reality within oneself and finding freedom to see and experience more of the external world. My meditative practice has emerged naturally out of these habits of solitude. I have been involved in meditation groups for over twenty years and have been a teacher of meditation practice over the last four years.’
I look forward to exploring meditation and art together at MAMA.
