2011
may 6 |
 |
INVITATION
With
appreciation of Freudian Psychoanalysis
as the most profound metaphor ever offered
for the comprehension of human behaviour,
Sigmund FREUD’s birthday
is annually celebrated on the evening of May 6th
in Chancery Art Gallery
owned by two psychology doctors.
I
2011 celebration started with introduction by the gallery curator, Dr. Paul Ivanoff speaking about the following Freud's message:
From
the Freudian view,
arts derive from the same source as fantasies and dreams, and have the
same purpose – to reduce tension in the soul. This applies to both
creation and perception of the art, regardless of modality – painting,
sculpture, literature, music, dance, etc.
Thus, in some respects artists are not special – like the rest of us, they have the same narcissistic desires and fantasies, rather shameful to share under our cultural restraints. But unlike us, artists have a very special gift – they are able to exhibit their fantasies in a skilful, camouflaged way, and to attract us first with the external, formal side of their work. It traps us, provoking a preliminary, properly aesthetic pleasure, turning our internal "censor" off guard. And then, it enables us to enjoy our own deep prohibited fantasies – projected on the art – without shame and self-blame, with revealing catharsis.
How
are artists able to do this?
It's their mystic secret;
it's art.
II
The following paintings were offered for analysis, projections, and free associations:
III
Poets, writers and singers presented pieces associated with such “Freudian” themes as Unconscious Drives, Basic Instincts, Inter/Intra-Personal Conflicts, Libido, Love, Dreams, Fears, etc.
Lea HARPER
Pat BROWN
IV
Hors d’oeuvres with artichoke - favourite vegetable of Sigmund Freud - were served with Austrian wine.
V
Two
short films by Stefan Le Lay (France) were shown for further discussion:
"La
Catre" (2009)
"Le
rendez-vous" (2005)
VI
Absinthe
was offered in association
with Freudian cocaine...
ABSINTHE... |
 |
Perhaps because of its hallucinogenic effects, Absinthe was banned in most of the Western World by 1915 and still remains banned in many counties, including the United States and some provinces of Canada (not Ontario, though).
Normally, Chancery Art Gallery serves Absinthe complimentary to the patrons who have purchased an artwork. On Mat 6th it was offered for the guests during this reception.
VII
Sigmund
Freud once confessed: |
 |
Thus, some believe that without cigars there may not have been Psychoanalysis. Therefore, perhaps no Depth Psychology of Art... Understandably, smoking Cuban cigars was part of the fun during this reception.
* * *
Join
us next year for
annual
celebration of Freud's birthday
sponsored by Chancery Art Gallery
with affiliated psychology office
Private
Counseling Associates
