Psychoanalysis and Art: Kleinian Perspectives

This essential edition brings together a collection of classic papers from key figures in Kleinian and post-Kleinian thought that explore the relationship between psychoanalysis and art.

Sandra Gosso begins with a comprehensive and fascinating guide to the history of this relationship which began with Freud and was developed further by Melanie Klein at a time when most analysts were moving away from links with art. Melanie Klein's pivotal paper, "Infantile Anxiety Situations Reflected in a Work of Art and in the Creative Impulse", follows the Introduction. The other papers featured are mainly from British analysts who expanded on Melanie Klein's ideas, inspired by the influence of the creative Bloomsbury and Imago Groups. Members of the Imago Group, founded by Adrian Stokes, include Donald Meltzer, Wilfred Bion, Roger Money-Kyrle and Marion Milner; all of whom underwent analysis with Melanie Klein. Their interests range throughout the arts and this allows them to explore the relationship between art and psychoanalysis from varied and thought-provoking angles. The book also includes four chapters by Meg Harris Williams. The papers featured here investigate such core themes as the creative impulse, aesthetics, literature and symbol formation.

This definitive volume is essential reading for students and professionals in the fields of psychoanalysis, art and cultural studies.