Full Description
The phrase 'art therapy' was first coined in 1942, but Susan Hogan's study begins in the latter part of the eighteenth century, when the arts were used as part of the 'moral treatment' method. In the nineteenth century psychological and anthropological writings come under scrutiny, in particular the way in which symbolism in art and language was linked to theories of degeneration and assumptions about the hierarchy of races. The author explores in detail psychoanalytic theories of symbolism, the development of a 'psychopathological school' and analytic (Jungian) psychology.
Susan Hogan's book is informative, well researched and entertaining. As well as providing an authoritative history of art therapy, it covers such diverse topics as the philosophy of art therapy, the way attitudes to insanity have changed, the role of art therapy in the context of post-war rehabilitation and the treatment of tuberculosis patients, Surrealism, and Britain's first therapeutic community. It is an invaluable resource for art therapists, and an interesting, informative read for anyone interested in art history or the history of ideas.
Contents
1.Introduction 2.Taming the Passions: Moral Contagion, the Curative and Transformative Power of the Arts in Moral Treatment. 3.Mad, Bad and Degenerate: Art Therapy, Degeneration, Psychoanalysis and "the Psychopathological School". 4.Casting Off the Shackles of the Intellect: Is Modern Art Mad Art? 5.In the Moral Tradition. 6.Adrian Hill and the Development of Art Therapy Within Sanatoria. 7.Pioneers of Art Therapy: Research at Maudsley and Netherne Hospitals. 8.Pioneers of Art Therapy: The Development of Art Therapy Within Psychiatry and Related Settings. 9.Withymead: Britain's First Therapeutic Community Dedicated to Art Therapy. 10.Branch Street and Other Projects. 11.The Historical Roots Revisited. A Conclusion. Bibliography.
