The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging joined forces on Friday, January 10, to host an Artists’ Night to celebrate the finalists of the inaugural Healthy Aging Visual Art Prize. This inspiring event showcased the artistic talent of individuals across generations and explored the complexities and beauty of aging through art.

Dr. Shernaz Bamji, Co-Director of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, highlighted the unique collaboration between the two centres in her opening remarks, emphasizing their shared commitment to promoting health and wellbeing, helping older adults enjoy a better quality of life as they age.

“The theme of the contest – ‘healthy human aging’ – resonates deeply in our work at the Centre,” said Dr. Bamji. “It aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting brain health across the lifespan.”

During the contest submission period, over 50 artworks in a variety of mediums were received, ranging from paintings, sculptures and photography to textile arts and mixed media. The contest’s theme was also designed to be inclusive of diverse experiences, including those involving disability or health challenges.

“Our intent with launching this contest was to create inclusive, diverse and authentic representations of aging and foster creativity, connection and intergenerational engagement,” said Dr. Michael Kobor, Director of the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging. “This initiative has demonstrated how art can inspire important conversations, foster understanding and mobilize meaningful connections.”

All the artworks were evaluated by a panel of five judges, whose expertise ranged from curation and visual arts to gerontology and education. 15 finalists were chosen to display their physical pieces at the Artists’ Night event, where the judges conducted a final review to select the winners.

The contest featured two categories: one open to the public and another for faculty, staff and trainees affiliated with the two centres.

The winners in the public category were:

  • First Place: Esmie Gayo McLaren for her watercolour piece Lifegiving, praised for its vibrant portrayal of intergenerational creativity and the vitality of later-life passions.
  • Second Place: Gloria Daly for her piece Transformation: One Day or Day One, celebrated for its tactile representation of resilience and adaptation.
  • Third Place: A tie between Annette Nieukerk’s mixed media work Home, exploring themes of memory and connection, and Merry Meredith’s watercolour painting Harmony, highlighting the role of movement and companionship in aging.

The judges were deeply moved by Esmie’s work, which masterfully tells a family story about healthy aging through generations of art-making.

“Lifegiving is an inspiring family portrayal of embracing life to the fullest through love and creativity, highlighting the vitality of later-life passions and mental acuity. This exceptional piece celebrates the enduring power of art and its ability to connect us across generations.”

Above photos (L-R): First Place winner Esmie Gayo McLaren, Top Investigator Entry winner Naznin Virji-Babul, Top Trainee Entry winner Navaneetha Ravichandran, Premier David Eby speaking

 

In the centre-affiliated category, the winners were:

  • Top Investigator Entry: Naznin Virji-Babul (Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health) for her sculpture Aspiration: Dancing Auntie, a joyful depiction of active aging.
  • Top Trainee Entry: Navaneetha Ravichandran (Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging) for her photograph Aging Gracefully: The Joys of Generational Bonds, capturing tender family moments.

The judges appreciated Naznin’s work for its joyful depiction of movement, celebrating the self-love and joy that come with staying active while aging.

“This creative and culturally-rich piece beautifully expresses love and connection across generations, honouring those who came before and inspiring those yet to come.”

The judges loved Navaneetha’s ability to capture the beauty of aging through the tender moments shared across generations.

“Her photograph, featuring her own grandmother with her own son, illustrates the joy and connection that foster healthy aging.”

Dr. Julia Henderson, Chair of the Healthy Aging Visual Art Prize, emphasized the contest’s role in challenging stereotypes and fostering a deeper understanding of aging through art.

“This contest is not only a celebration of art but also a recognition of how art can inspire change and challenge the way we think about aging,” said Dr. Henderson. “It reflects the power of art to create dialogue, build community and drive meaningful change.”

Artists’ Night was an inspirational evening showcasing the power of creativity and collaboration in reimagining what it means to age, and will hopefully spark future partnerships and conversations around this important topic.

Special thanks to Premier David Eby and the BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt, who joined the event to celebrate the incredible talent and vision of BC artists. Their presence underscored the provincial importance of supporting healthy aging through creativity and community.

“We look forward to more opportunities to continue promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives for individuals at every stage of life, and build a foundation for vibrant communities and a healthier society,” said Dr. Bamji.

For those who missed the event, there will be another opportunity to view the artwork at the Jericho Arts Centre, where select artworks will be displayed during the run of The Height of the Storm by Florian Zeller, from January 17 to February 9, 2025.