Definition of Art Psychology

Art and psychology they are disciplines that can find meeting points. In fact, some currents of psychology have found in art a research objective of notable interest. In this sense, some psychology studies have investigated the work of artists in their dimension as creators in order to analyze the artist's mind.

The psychology of artistic interpretation

The creator of a work of art is someone especially striking for psychology. Thus, the actor, the dancer or the musician interpret what other artists have previously created. Psychologists who are dedicated to this discipline They try to understand the mental mechanisms that the interpreters of a work of art put into operation to execute it successfully.

In the psychology of art, the creative impulses of artists are studied and, at the same time, it is analyzed which psychological theories are best adapted to these impulses.

The objectives of this discipline are diverse

1) help control the emotions of artists (for example, when faced with stage fright),

2) stimulate your motivation to overcome stress,

3) reduce anxiety levels before performances,

4) assist in professional development and

5) teach mental relaxation techniques to face the moments related to the interpretation.

The imagined essay

This technique is quite novel and relies on the interpreter (for example, an actor from theater) make a test mentally and not in a real way. This practice has the advantage of reserving the Energy for representation before the public.

The relationship between psychology and art

Although the psychology of art focuses on the performers, it should not be forgotten that psychology and art have maintained very close links throughout history. Let us remember that in the Greek theater the spectator felt purifying and therapeutic emotions through catharsis and, on the other hand, psychoanalysis was a source of inspiration for surrealist artists at the beginning of the century XX.

The techniques of psychology are applicable to sport, business or medicine

Psychologists study the mental processes related to conduct human. Thus, psychology can be projected to improve the performance of athletes, to improve the human relations in the business context or to help medical professionals treat patients.

Photos: Fotolia - Kadmy / Dmytro Sandratskyi

Topics in Art Psychology