“7 Stages” an Art Exhibition symbolizing the journey of grief

(MENAFN- Mid-East.Info) Dubai: “7 Stages” an art exhibition is presented in collaboration with Le Meridien Hotel Dubai and the Chocoholics Grief Support Group, starting on the 10th of October 2021. The exhibition is inspired by Kubler-Ross theory of 7 stages of grief. Senior citizens and caregivers, based on their own personal account of losing a loved one, created the paintings on display. The 25 artworks displayed at the show are cathartic representations of their feelings of dealing with their grief; each artist's process is unique to their own story.

The Chocoholics Grief Support Group in the UAE conceptualized the show, in order to highlight mental health awareness and wellbeing. The group chose to open the exhibition on 10th of October, on World Mental Health Day. This aims to recognize the significance of mental health and also offers an opportunity for support and reassurance through art and creativity.

“The arts have been part of the Chocoholics Grief Support Group since it was launched in April this year reflecting the values of creativity, emotional connections and providing opportunities for inspiration.  By encouraging the group to paint, it's hard not to notice positive improvements in their moods. The 7 Stages exhibition explores the connections between art and grief and how powerful imagery and creativity can help start a conversation about mental health.” –  says Desiree Vlekken, Founder of 4get-me-not Alzheimer's

Sheetal Durve, an artist and mentor working with Chocoholics adds,  “I have been involved with Chocoholics for some time now and mentoring them express their feelings on canvas.  With grief as a central theme, it made perfect sense to demonstrate the changing of seasons to communicate the 7 stages. I lost my mother and sister within a span of 6 months in the same year. Painting helped me deal with this tragedy and over time I slowly recovered from the pain and brought a positive attitude in life. By helping others, I also help myself.”

The 7 Stages exhibition will be launched on 10th October, 4 pm and will be open to the public until the 17th of October at Le Meridian Hotel in Dubai. Silent auction on the works will be held online at  is a social enterprise raising awareness on Alzheimer's disease and promoting quality of life for seniors and caregivers in the UAE since 2013. The Founder, Desiree Vlekken was inspired by her father who had Alzheimer's and her mother, who was a full time caregiver. Both her parents passed away early this year from complications of Alzheimer's and Covid-19.

About 4get-me-not:

4get-me-not, the only Social Enterprise in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East which focuses on seniors (60 years old and above) as part of its mission to address Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), was launched in 2013. It's Founder – Desirée Vlekken, belongs to a community touched by AD where both her father and father-in-law drew inspiration to create a social platform for families and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients.

4get-me-not creates a positive impact to the society, particularly the senior community by creating awareness on the importance of giving proper attention to their wellbeing and quality of life as one of the means to prevent AD. Positive lifestyle approaches are considered to help seniors cope with physical and cognitive changes.

AD is a growing global health issue that affects a large majority of the senior community with one person in every three seconds reported to have it. 4get-me-not has been working with various International organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) London office, Dementia Friends of Alzheimer’s Society UK and World Health Organization (WHO) through its Eastern Mediterranean Office, to build a vibrant community that addresses Alzheimer’s in a preventive, holistic and innovative way.

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