Take a look at this article by Dr. Jeremy Spiegel that considers whether viewing artwork in a gallery setting may lay the groundwork towards self-understanding.
I originally posted this on the Liz Beck Designs facebook page on 07/11, and recieved this question from Cathy Malchiodi:
“Gosh Liz, what do you really think about this?”
My response:
“You know, I’ve been seeing a lot of articles lately talking about art therapy in the context of going to a museum and viewing artwork, but usually for the Alzheimer’s/dementia population. I’m not familiar with research done on the effectiveness of treating a mental illness through the viewing of art. If you know of any, Cathy, I’d love to read it!
In any case, when I read Dr. Spiegel’s post, I couldn’t help but think how collage images are used in art therapy sessions. The images are created by someone other than the person choosing to use them in a collage; the images are chosen because they resonate in some way with the client and are a source of exploration throughout the therapeutic session. In this way, I can see how going to a gallery and focusing on pieces of artwork that stand out to the client could open up fruitful discussion and self-examination.
The method used to explore the images and the ego strength of the client would be key. For example, I wouldn’t bring a client who has a tendency to dissociate or have intense and difficult to contain emotional reactions to a public environment to view triggering images. I also wouldn’t want to have a discussion about a particular piece in the middle of the gallery, for other people to hear. Perhaps the art viewing would work best by having a client write down his or her impressions and experiences to later be explored in a private therapy session. I would also want to bring a picture of the artwork to the therapy session to help bring the client back to the original viewing experience.”
What are your thoughts?
Hi, Liz,
Although I think my experience was something more spiritual than what you are discussing here, I am interested in art as a healing therapy. While watching the aftermath of 9/11, my hand was compelled to draw images unseen in my head. I later published the art that resulted in a book, The Channeling of September 11, 2001. I do think this had something to do with channeling or answered prayers. But the influence it has had on me has made me very aware of art therapy as a tool for healing as well.