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KMID : 1148220150110010045
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Journal of Arts Psychotherapy
2015 Volume.11 No. 1 p.45 ~ p.74
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An Application of Object Relations Theory to Needlework-art to Find its Healing Properties
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Chung Young-In
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Abstract
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This research aimed to define healing properties of the art, from the perspective of object relations theory, suggesting possibility of needlework as a healing tool. My research focused on the literatures of 3 feminist artists: Louise Bourgeois, Faith Ringgold, and Tracy Emin. The findings of the research are as follows: Bourgeois viewed ‘part object’ in her needlework and attempted to heal by transforming her feelings of pity towards her mother and feelings of hatred towards her father using ‘good object’ and ‘bad object’ in her art works. Also, noticing Ringgold’s needlework using ‘internal object’, she went through healing process by experiencing positive ‘projective identification’ as in ‘good enough mother’. Lastly, Emin’s needlework expressed the absence of mother as in ‘the holding environment’ from the perspective of ‘transitional object’. As mentioned several times, needleworks, viewed as in object relations theory, allowed them to envision mother as a medium, acknowledging their psychological trauma in their relationship with mother were being restored as a healing tool Furthermore, needlework applied its intention of repetition, decomposition, composition, and texture of soft fabrics implying healing properties. Thus, the purpose of this research is to highlight the needs of future follow-up studies in art therapy using needlework systemically, and to possibly expand its healing properties as well.
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KEYWORD
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Object Relations Theory, Needlework, Healing
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