Painting, Psychoanalysis, and Spirituality

by Stephen James Newton (Northumbria University, Newcastle)

This book examines the spiritual and transcendental dimension of painting. Using psychoanalytical ideas, the author demonstrates the developmental processes that are the inner core of the creative process. Newton shows how painting can psychologically transform the artist or viewer through engagement with the spiritual dimension of the art work through analyses of works of contemporary artists such as Roger Hilton, Willem de Kooning, and George Baselitz, along with those of the painters Fra Angelico, Leonardo, Nicholas Poussin, and Cezanne. By exposing the unconscious creative processes that determine the figurative symbols and narratives formulated to represent them, he advances the theory of artistic creativity.

"Stephen James Newton dares to be unfashionable in this ambitious and closely argued book." The Times Literary Supplement
"This book delves into many fascinating areas...The illustrations are splendidly produced and the accompanying text illuminating." JAPA

1. Art, abstraction, and psychoanalysis; 2. The formal language of art; 3. The symbolism of inarticulate form; 4. The abstract structure of creativity; 5. Abstraction and spirituality; 6. The spirituality of icon painting; 7. Psychoanalysis.