Embracing Intuition: The Balance of Yin and Yang in Art Education

Language and art have both served as tools for communication. As human society advanced, language became a type of art—the "art of communication." Yet, in most schools, art has been reduced to little more than skill, losing much of its communicative power. Children are taught the same set of skills and knowledge and are encouraged to produce the same or very similar output.

Every time I pass by a local art center, I have the same thought when I look at the children’s artwork through the windows: art should really be a heartfelt expression of who we are, not just a showcase of skills. As a parent, you wouldn’t send your child to a poetry class where the teacher only asks the kids to use prescribed words in a fixed structure. Similarly, you should raise your brows when your child brings home an artwork that is basically a copy of another person’s ideas.

Verbal expression is usually guided by logic—an explicit, structured form of communication. By contrast, artistic expression relies on intuition and operates at a more implicit, instinctive level. Art grants us a clearer glimpse into what our subconscious truly wants, which is why art education should focus on authentic self-expression rather than neat outlines or “perfect” shading.

When children engage with art intuitively, they open a channel to their subconscious mind, connecting their outer expression with their inner voice. This connection is vital for helping them navigate life's difficulties.

In the philosophy of Tao, each living thing follows its own natural rhythm and melody. Humans are no exception. Every individual has a unique rhythm.

In Taoism, logic corresponds to the “yang,” while intuition corresponds to the “yin.” Mainstream culture often prioritizes logic, seeing it as more refined, and therefore tends to undervalue intuition. The same tilt is evident in the popularity of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in psychology, which highlights cognition over embodied experience. On the career front, we celebrate degrees and job prospects (yang) far more than personal interests and innate talents (yin).

Yet balance, or the interplay of yin and yang, is the crux of Tao. Pursuing so-called “elite education” might make sense on paper, but not everyone finds genuine fulfillment in becoming the best of the best according to society’s definition of success. True education, in my view, is about discovering each person’s passion, strengths, and calling, and then unleashing their unique creativity into the world.

Good art education supports this process by helping children explore their interests and develop creativity. It encourages them to be more honest with themselves and frees them from the weight of external expectations. This is one of the reasons I chose to study art therapy. My hope is to merge art therapy principles with art education, making art part of a child’s life journey rather than just another subject in the timetable.

Ultimately, I wish for everyone—children and adults alike—to use art as a way of finding balance in their lives. Through genuine, heartfelt artistic expression, we can all shine a light on our true selves, allowing our individuality to blossom and bringing us closer to living in harmony with our own natural rhythm.