Embracing Art for Mindful Rejuvenation

Art holds a magical quality, often overlooked yet vital for our mental well-being

Karin Bubaš, Winter Scene at Alexander Falls, 2022 pigment print with UV laminate, edition 2 of 6, 60 x 60 in, Audain Art Museum Collection, Purchased with the Audain Art Acquisition Fund.

It's a portal to self-expression, offering a voice to feelings that words can't capture. Engaging with art, be it creating or appreciating it, has been shown to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and promote mindfulness. It encourages us to slow down, reflect, and connect with our inner selves, fostering a sense of calm and balance. Moreover, art stimulates the brain, invoking new thoughts and perspectives, which can be incredibly empowering, especially for those struggling with mental health challenges. The act of immersing oneself in the beauty and complexity of art can be a deeply therapeutic experience, providing not just an escape, but a path to understanding, healing, and resilience. In this way, art is not just a mere hobby or a visual pleasure; it's a vital component of emotional and psychological wellness, a nurturing force for the mind and soul.

With all this is mind, even if snowflakes were to shy from our Whistler mountains, Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel invites you to a different kind of winter wonderland – one where the serene halls of the Audain Art Museum become your canvas for reflection, rejuvenation, and an unbeaten path to health and wellness.

Karin Bubaš, Woman with Hollowed Tree, 2016 archival pigment print, 60 x 60 in, Collection of Ross & Melissa Bonetti 

Karin Bubaš’s “Garden of Shadows” 

Imagine stepping into a world where every turn reveals a new perspective, not just of art but of life itself. This exhibition, a cinematic journey through landscapes and emotions, opens its doors to you from September 23, 2023, to January 29, 2024. With over 25 works, including the mesmerising “Woman with Hollowed Tree” and a specially commissioned “Winter Scene at Alexander Falls,” this exhibit isn't just a display; it's a gateway to introspection and cultural enlightenment.

At Summit Lodge, we believe that art is not just a feast for the eyes but a nourishment for the soul. Bubaš’s unique blend of natural and built environments in her works offers a contemplative space where you can quietly engage with art, escaping the bustling outside world. It’s like conversing with yourself amidst the backdrop of idyllic and apocalyptic landscapes.

Exhibition Highlights

Source: Karin Bubaš, Icelandic Poppies, 2021 laser-cut archival pigment prints, archival foamcore, and adhesive, 28 x 22 x 3 in,

Collection of Jarrod & Mary Levitan 

This special exhibition, curated by the brilliant Dr. Curtis Collins, showcases Bubaš’s exceptional ability to weave together summer and winter, the real and the surreal. The contrast in her art – from the icy chill of Arctic landscapes to the warmth of summer flowers – mirrors our own life’s contrasts and complexities. It's an emotional and visual rollercoaster that invites you to ponder, reflect, and perhaps even find answers to questions you didn’t know you had!

As well, don’t miss the chance to see Bubaš’s innovative three-dimensional flower studies, a nod to the legendary Édouard Manet. These pieces bring a tangible depth to the ephemeral beauty of nature, adding another layer of intrigue and introspection to your museum experience.

Final thoughts

Remember, art isn't just about what you see; it’s about what you feel, what you think, and how you connect to the world. And at Summit Lodge, we're all about making those connections memorable, fun, and absolutely delightful.

At Summit Lodge, nestled in the heART of Whistler, we believe that laughter, a bit of silliness, and a dash of artistic inspiration are essential ingredients for a healthy mind. This January, let the “Garden of Shadows” be your sanctuary. Let it be the place where you start your year with a reset, enriched and inspired.

DETAILS:

Karin Bubaš’s “Garden of Shadows”

September 23, 2023, to January 29, 2024

Audain Art Museum, 4350 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V8E 1N3