Art Therapy - Art Therapy and Outsider Art

Art Therapy and Outsider Art

The relation between the terms Art Therapy and Outsider Art has been debated in many academic discussions, especially in regard to the practical application of both professions. The term 'Art Brut' was first coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet to describe art created outside the boundaries of official culture. Dubuffet used the term 'Art brut' to focus on artistic practice by insane-asylum patients. The English translation Outsider Art has been first used by art critic Roger Cardinal in 1972.

Both terms have been criticized because of their social and personal impact on both patients and artists. Art Therapy has been accused of not putting enough emphasis on the artistic value and meaning of the art productions of the artist, considering them only from a medical perspective. This led to the misconception of the whole outsider art practice, while addressing therapeutical issues within the field of aesthetical discussion. Outsider Art, on the contrary, has been negatively judged because of the labeling of the artists' work, i.e. the equation artist = genius = insane. Moreover, the business-related issues on the term outsider art carry some misunderstandings. While the Outsider Artist is part of a specific Art System, which can add a positive value to both the artist's work as well as his personal development, it can also imprison him within the boundaries of the system itself.