Psychanalysis

Psychoanalysis is a theory of the development of the psyche and the unconscious. It is a way of categorising our desires, dreams and motivations with the aim of understanding the complexities of the human condition.

Sigmund Freud came up with this theory in the late 19^th century to treat patients with symptoms that occur due to the unconscious. Freud suggested that, in our infancy, we being to develop the unconscious to control and protect ourselves from ideas that are not entirely acceptable. Sometimes the unconscious can make itself present through ticks like the Freudian slip or through repressed thoughts. Freud used psychoanalysis to help patients unravel these thoughts and come to terms with them.

The unconscious is chaotic and this can result in strange thoughts and feelings, particularly during development. Freud’s theories suggest that sexual identity plays a role in defining ourselves, however as the unconscious is chaotic, confusion tends to occur in forms such as the Oedipus or castration complex. Freud suggests that it isn’t sexual attraction and gender that is the underlying cause but sex being seen as a symbol of power.

Jacques Lacan built on Freud’s theories by applying the theory of linguistics. Lacan proposed that the psyche is developed through the structures of language. Like language, the unconscious maintains a loose structure that can equally be intelligible and chaotic.

By applying these theories of the psyche to art theory, we can attempt to understand the motivation’s and desires of the artist at the time. It provides a model for categorising and breaking down works of art.