Abstract
Art has consistently served as a powerful medium for addressing and processing trauma, offering a conduit for both individual healing and societal reflection. This research delves into the intricate relationship between trauma and visual art, examining how artists capture the psychological and cultural dimensions of trauma in their creative expressions. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this study analyzes diverse art forms, including paintings, installations, and digital media, to uncover techniques that articulate narratives of loss, resilience, and recovery. The research utilizes trauma theory, semiotics, and psychoanalytic perspectives to investigate how aesthetic elements such as color, texture, and composition evoke emotional responses and communicate complex experiences. It explores the transformation of collective traumas into symbolic imagery that fosters empathy and dialogue. Special attention is given to contemporary artists whose works navigate the delicate interplay between personal and collective memory. This includes installations by Doris Salcedo, whose use of everyday materials encapsulates mourning, and the digital collages of Alfredo Jaar, which critique societal apathy toward suffering. Emerging artists leveraging immersive technologies like augmented reality are also explored for their innovative approaches to recreating traumatic experiences and promoting empathy. This research proposes a framework for understanding how art operates as a non-verbal language of healing, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. By bridging theoretical insights with practical applications, it underscores art’s critical role in psychological recovery and social justice. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about art’s transformative potential, positioning it as an essential element in fostering resilience and inspiring collective healing.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
TRAUMA, VISUAL ART, CULTURAL MEMORY, RESILIENCE, PSYCHOLOGICAL RECOVERY, CONTEMPORARY ART, SYMBOLISM, AESTHETICS, HEALING, COLLECTIVE TRAUMA
