Therapeutic Landscapes

This series of paintings by Jessica Philbrick illustrates features of therapeutic home-spaces from five people in Aotearoa who live with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). This exhibition is an opportunity for Philbrick to disseminate research findings from her Masters project to the community and share insight and stories from those who are predominantly housebound due to living with ME/CFS. Further resources for education on ME/CFS will be available at the exhibition. Opening Night - August 1st @ 5pm will be an opportunity to talk with Philbrick, the artist, researcher, and someone who has lived experience of CFS. A member/s of ANZMES will also be present to support the education experience of the opening night. Drinks and nibbles will be provided. Therapeutic Landscapes is a concept for looking at how environments foster elements of healing or therapeutic experiences in relation to one's health outcomes. These paintings were created from a research focus on exploring how elements of the home-space as being experienced as therapeutic in relation to one's ME/CFS symptoms. The stories alongside these paintings provide insight into these experiences and bring forward stories we do not commonly hear but also provides values insight into how we can better support those who are housebound by ME/CFS and the helpful features of their home as their primary site of care. These insights are value to informing the general public and increasing awareness and understanding for this illness, but is equally helpful to health professionals who may be working with people with ME/CFS or other chronic illnesses.