Author: Ewa Grynicka, ARTeria Foundation
In the REACT project, we have often talked about the value of cooperation between many people working in different fields of knowledge. We have pointed out that the quality and accessibility of cultural institutions is the result of the work of museum professionals, IT specialists, promotion specialists, social workers, and local and national government employees. I would like to emphasise one more important aspect and one more important professional function that brings benefits to what museums have to offer. Namely, the permanent or temporary employment of people associated with the field of psychology: therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists, psycho-oncologists. I am writing about this for a reason. This conviction is the result of my personal experience.
Some time ago, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture by a psychotherapist at one of Poland’s museums, the Tichauer Art Gallery, devoted to the work and life of Pablo Picasso. The speaker was assisted by the exhibition curator, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts. Both speakers created an unforgettable atmosphere around Picasso’s paintings, interpreted in the context of his life from a therapeutic perspective. Knowledge of the painter’s biography, familiarity with the creative techniques he used, and understanding of the symbolism of his paintings, supported by knowledge of psychology, brought unexpected results and interest from the audience.
I would like to point out here that the speaker’s great skills allowed for an objective view of Picasso’s life, despite the fact that we often hear about his destructive character and negative attitude towards women. What is more, knowledge of the facts from the painter’s life in the context of the consequences of certain situations experienced in childhood, known to the psychologist, shed light on the reasons for Picasso’s behaviour in adult life. Viewing this artist’s paintings, which depict women or were inspired by his relationships with women, along with the story of his life and a specialist psychological diagnosis, showed me a completely different dimension of experiencing art.
Why can such meetings prove the accessibility and inclusivity of cultural institutions? Firstly, their organisers demonstrate a high level of awareness that today’s world is no longer just about hiring a single guide to talk about an exhibition. Secondly, people struggling with various mental disorders can benefit from such lectures and learn that even great and famous people have experienced mental health difficulties. Thirdly, a multi-contextual view of a work of art broadens horizons and can contribute to a fuller experience of art for anyone who feels the need to do so, rather than limiting themselves to a textbook interpretation.
Finally, I would like to add that the museum visit described above prompted me to seek additional information about Picasso, his life and work, and opened me up even more to a multifaceted view of art through the prism of the experiences of experts in various fields.