Page 52 - AC-1-2

Arts & Communication Art images and trauma in femicide orphans

function: Posing explicit questions that incite patients to with their experiences more helpful. Notably, the collection
reflect on and contain their emotions, life experiences, and of art images appears to function as a clinical tool based on
fragments of stories, creating new interpretations. This the use of a series of images depicting classical works of art.
process is made possible through the fundamental element This tool aims to favor the awareness of one’s own cognitive
of aesthetic experience: Detachment from reality; thus, the and emotional processes and facilitate access to the mental
esthetic experience isolates and, at the same time, protects representation of events and relationships through the
mankind from reality’s peremptoriness . selection of one or more images. The use of images allows
[33]
The protocol for using art images involves presenting 10 people to access the nature of their emotional responses
images per chosen category, as selected by the professional, more easily, fostering their integrative self, which is
[36,37]
along with standard instructions: “Before showing you known as “emotional catharsis .” Several studies have
each series of images, I will ask you a question and then indicated a positive correlation between the use of art
and
images and heightened levels of self-monitoring
[18,19]
show you the images in the series. Each series of images self-awareness . Leporatti and Di Gesto utilized the
[35]
[35]
will be shown to you three times, and you can choose the
image that best answers the question I have asked you.” art image collection method by displaying images from
Each image is presented for ten seconds, 3 consecutive the “Food” category, which contains artistic depictions
times. At the end of the third presentation, the professional related to food and eating (Le panier de pommes, Cezanne,
1887 – 1900; Pommes et raisins, Monet, 1880; Canotiers,
asks the person to indicate which image they have chosen.
Déjeuner au bord de la rivière, Renoir, 1875; Nature morte
The questions asked are related to the presented avec poisson, Manet, 1864; Colazione in giardino, De
category. For example, for the “Trauma” category, the Nittis, 1883; Fruits du Midi, Renoir, 1881; Nature morte:
question is: “Please choose an image that represents the coin d’une table, Fantin-Latour, 1873; Nature morte aux
trauma related to... (the object of the trauma). Can you tell pêches, Renoir, 1881; Bananes et ananas, Renoir, 1900;
me what you saw in this image?” Subsequently, the images Vertumn, Arcimboldo, 1590). The results demonstrated
of the other selected categories are presented. Another that in a sample of young women, the average scores of
example, for the “Resources” category, the question is: cognitive and emotional self-awareness increased from
“Choose an image that represents the resources you have pre- to post-test.
found to try to cope with what happened (referring to the The art image collection provides pre-selected images
traumatic event chosen in the first category) over time. categorized according to the purpose of the intervention
Can you tell me what you saw in this image?” For details and exclusively uses art pieces as stimuli. On the other
on the administration procedure, see the work published hand, other photo-based tools (e.g., photo-elicitation)
by Leporatti .
[35]
utilize photographs or other visual images as a research
This tool is founded on the “slow looking” method, tool to elicit narratives, stories, or perspectives from
which entails dedicating time to meticulously observe and participants. Unlike the art image collection, these tools
analyze an object or image, allowing for a more in-depth do not require predetermined image categories. Therefore,
understanding and appreciation of its details and nuances. the art image collection, due to its predefined structure, is
While frequently utilized in art education and art therapy, a more replicable and comparable method. Despite these
this method finds applicability across various domains, differences, both “the collection of art images” and “photo-
such as mindfulness and visual perception training. elicitation tools” share the use of visual images as a means of
By slowing down and engaging in a more mindful and eliciting emotional and cognitive responses in individuals.
deliberate observation, individuals can develop a deeper Both methods can be used to delve into personal
connection and understanding with the subject of their experiences, emotions, and perspectives, proving to be a
observation. powerful tool for communication and self-expression.
The collection of art images commonly used in trauma Overall, the use of art images for trauma healing has
healing encompasses various types of visual art, such as demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating PTSD symptoms
paintings, drawings, collages, and sculptures. These images among trauma survivors. Approaches such as art therapy,
function as a starting point for exploring and processing the combination of expressive writing with art therapy,
trauma-related emotions and experiences. mindfulness-based art therapy, and narrative therapy have
The use of art images in trauma healing can be tailored all exhibited efficacy in fostering recovery and enhancing
to individual needs and preferences. For example, some mental health in trauma survivors.
individuals may opt to create their own artwork, while While a substantial body of research has focused on
others may find exploring existing artwork that resonates identifying predictors of gender-based violence, little

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2023) 5 https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.0337