Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Contemporary Art

First Advisor

Morgan Falconer

Second Advisor

Agnes Berecz

Abstract

Throughout history art has been regarded as an avenue for expression, healing, and a creative outlet for humanity. From simple cave drawings to detailed and expressive paintings no matter the artistic ability, the intention is to allow an escape from reality and an opening of the unconscious mind. Art is often regarded as just ornate, doodles are considered simple unconscious creations as a stress relieving activity, and artists are viewed as purely creative with a different perspective of life. But for the troubled person, art can provide an avenue of expression allowing their disturbed minds an outlet. Through researching and analyzing drawings of Carl Jung, Adolf Wölfli, and Jackson Pollock this paper will explore the therapeutic process of creating art and prove that this activity can be healing; Carl Jung, the renowned psychiatrist and founder of Analytical Psychology, will provide the link throughout this paper to solidify the importance and influence the unconscious has on the creative mind.

Distinction

1

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