Contemporary Painting Series: As I move Beyond

Abstract

The thesis “Contemporary Painting Series: When I Am Stepping Beyond” aims to explore the psychological state of the researcher as an artist, using artistic creation as a tool for internal examination. The work reflects emotions, mental states, and personal experiences stemming from instability, emotional pressure, and internal conflicts influenced by rapid changes in contemporary social conditions, such as economic uncertainty and cultural shifts. The conceptual framework is grounded in psychoanalytic theory, particularly Sigmund Freud’s model of the human psyche—comprising the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind—along with Carl Jung’s theory of individuation, which emphasizes the pursuit of one’s true self through introspective understanding of the inner personality.

This painting series adopts a Surrealist and Neo-Surrealist approach, utilizing visual language and symbolic elements to represent the unconscious mind. The research process follows the methodology of Art-Based Research, focusing on self-observation, reflection, and qualitative analysis throughout the creative process.

The results demonstrate that the artwork not only expresses abstract personal experiences but also serves as a therapeutic medium. It bridges the inner world of the artist with external social and cultural contexts, offering insight into the psychological healing process and revealing a deeper connection between the self and the surrounding world.