{
  "id": 6664771,
  "title": "Drawing out emotions, one colour at a time",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/drawing-out-emotions-one-colour-at-a-time",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T23:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/11/drawing-out-emotions-one-colour-at-a-time"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Some emotions are hard to articulate, especially when discussing them with strangers. In such cases, colour and paper can help ease the initial step, according to counsellor K Aahrthi. She employs Japanese Pastel Nagomi Art, also known as the “art of hope,” to facilitate the exploration and expression of feelings in a relaxed manner. Pastel Nagomi Art does not require advanced drawing abilities; instead, participants focus on the process rather than the final product. Aahrthi notes that in Malaysia, therapy and counselling can still be perceived as difficult or intimidating for some people. She uses this art form to create a comfortable environment for participants to express their emotions and become more at ease with sharing them during counseling.\n\nAahrthi first encountered Pastel Nagomi Art at a workshop and later realized its potential to extend beyond the counselling room into community settings. One challenge is convincing participants that they do not need to be artists. However, by the end of the session, most participants discover their ability to create artwork. Some have found that working with colours and images allows them to view themselves from new perspectives. Since 2024, Aahrthi has conducted workshops in the Klang Valley for over 100 participants, including senior citizens, children, and residents of People’s Housing Programme (PPR) communities. She is particularly interested in making these sessions accessible to those who might not otherwise seek counselling or wellness activities.\n\nAahrthi believes there is often a gap between discussing mental health and taking action to support it. While people frequently talk about mental health, what truly matters is their willingness to act. Providing tools and space to discuss mental health in a community setting is crucial before someone considers counselling services. Keeping the workshops affordable is another challenge. Aahrthi generates funds through the sale of keychains and interactive mental-health tools, which helps cover art supplies and enables some sessions to be offered free or at minimal cost. Her goal is to eventually expand the program beyond the Klang Valley, particularly to senior citizens and lower-income communities.\n\nParticipants like Khor Jun Yi appreciate the opportunity to focus inward. The 28-year-old discovered that the workshop helped her connect more with herself. Fellow participant S Shankari enjoyed hearing the stories behind other participants' artwork as well as learning techniques she could continue practicing at home. For the 30-year-old, the session was so enjoyable that she hopes to join more workshops in the future.",
  "summary": "Counsellor K Aahrthi uses Japanese Pastel Nagomi Art to help people explore their feelings without worrying about artistic skill or finding the exact words.",
  "key_points": [
    "Counsellor K Aahrthi uses Japanese Pastel Nagomi Art to help participants express emotions.",
    "Art workshops held in Klang Valley for over 100 participants since 2024.",
    "Affordable keychains and tools help cover art supplies, making sessions accessible."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Drawing out emotions, one colour at a time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/drawing-out-emotions-one-colour-at-a-time-6669993",
        "published": "2026-09-10T23:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}