I noticed a thread of three in the various kinds of states of self which has intrigued a new body of work. I have always been curious about the psychological connection in art making, interpretation and appreciation.
In this writing, an overview of the Freudian theory of the states of self will be unpacked. Refer back to the blog section to compare his ideas to other theories on the mind. In art, the interpretation, symbolism, local verses international communities interpretation of 'the visual dictionary' of an artist must be considered within an artists' conceptual framework. The context of psychology in this facet is connected to my contemporary art practice.
According to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the three primary structures of the mind are the Id, Ego, and Superego. These structures and their interactions can have implications for both art making as an artist and understanding art as a viewer.
There are various ways to conceptualize and categorize the different states of self.
The common perspectives:
Freudian Model
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory proposes three primary structures of the mind: the Id (primitive and instinctual desires), the Ego (mediator between the Id and Superego), and the Superego (internalized moral and societal values). These structures influence an individual's behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.
For comparison, the following models will be discussed in future writings.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model
Developed by Richard Schwartz, IFS identifies multiple internal "parts" or subpersonalities within an individual. Some of the common parts include Exiles (carrying unhealed emotional wounds), Managers (maintaining control and avoiding vulnerability), and Firefighters (addressing immediate crises or overwhelming emotions).
Jungian Model
Carl Jung proposed that the self is composed of a multiplicity of archetypal energies or psychological complexes. These include the Persona (social mask), Animus (masculine aspects in females), Anima (feminine aspects in males), Shadow (repressed or unconscious aspects), and Self (unifying and transcendent center).
Humanistic Model
In humanistic psychology, the self is seen as a complex entity striving for self-actualization and personal growth. The states of self in this model comprise aspects of self-concept, self-esteem, and self-identity, emphasizing individual experience, self-awareness, and personal values.
The categorization of different states of self may vary depending on the psychological perspective being considered. These models provide frameworks for understanding the multifaceted nature of the self and its various facets, allowing for nuanced exploration of human behavior, creativity, and personal development. I was intrigued by the idea of how the states of self influence the theoretical framework, creative process and analytical crit in developing bodies of work. Furthermore, I aim to better engage with a broader art audience in being mindful of the reception to my work.
I'd
The I'd represents the primitive and instinctual desires within an individual. It operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of basic needs and impulses. In the context of art making, the Id may inspire artists to channel their raw emotions, desires, and fantasies into their creative process. It can result in uninhibited and spontaneous expressions that reflect the artist's unconscious desires and drives.
As a viewer, the I'd may influence one's immediate emotional response to art. Powerful, evocative, and sensual artworks may tap into the viewer's primal desires, providing a direct emotional experience that bypasses rational analysis.
Ego
The Ego acts as a mediator between the Id and the external world. It develops strategies to satisfy the Id's desires while considering the realities of the external environment. In art making, the Ego may manifest in an artist's ability to navigate technical skills, problem-solving, and making choices to create a cohesive artwork. The Ego helps balance the artist's creative impulses with the practical aspects of execution.
As a viewer, the Ego plays a role in analyzing and interpreting art. It can facilitate a rational assessment of the artwork's composition, technique, and symbolic meaning. The Ego allows viewers to critically evaluate and make sense of the artwork's elements within their personal framework of understanding.
Superego
The Superego represents the internalized moral and societal values within an individual. It acts as a conscience, reflecting cultural norms, social rules, and personal ideals. In art making, the Superego may influence artists to adhere to traditional techniques, established aesthetic standards, or convey socially acceptable messages. It may also guide artists to explore themes of morality, ethics, or critique societal issues through their artwork.
As a viewer, the Superego can shape one's judgments and interpretations of art. It prompts viewers to consider the artwork's moral, ethical, or social implications, evaluating whether it aligns with their personal values or societal norms.
Freud's psychoanalytic theory suggests that art making and viewing can serve as outlets for the expression, exploration, and negotiation of unconscious desires, conflicts, and societal influences. Artists may tap into their Id, navigate the demands of the Ego, and engage with the Superego to varying degrees, while viewers bring their own psychological dynamics to their interpretations of art.
The connection to my art practice
Concept has always dictated media in my work, and, the messaging in my practice is the main driving factor for the reason why I create. Applying rich buttery textures of good quality paint, mixing a colour match spot on, developing new textures in layers, the rawness of sculpting with clay and the direct hand to brain connection are but of course - the cherry on the cake that makes this little artist's heart skip a beat.
Why go down the rabbit hole?
Theoretical framework and the research behind my inspiration that drives my work - this factor is a great part of my creative process. Art is linked to all, and, what peaks my interest in saying what I do through my work has to be understood in full in order to best express myself in sharing my two cents worth with the world.
"and in the end, it is all connected. We are here to learn just how to connect those dots." JMLR
The Series continues
The body of work is being developed in mixed media landscapes with wording that instilled mindfulness for me. An ongoing series of sculptures is being created. As mentioned, writings to follow will delve into the rest of the most common models in the states of self series.
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