Criticism of The Challenge of Art to Psychology

Seymour Sarason

The Challenge of Art to Psychology by Seymour Sarason argues the universal nature of artistic activity in humans. He notes how every child in every culture draws or paints, but as they get older only a select few still participate in artistic activity. He argues that everyone is creative and has a desire to express themselves through artistic activity and can feel a void in their lives without it. He cites a few experiments, one with ghetto elementary school children being taught poetry, a nursing home introduced to poetry, and menta

lly ill and handicapped individuals being taught visual art. They all showed a measure of proficiency, they were not so called great artists, but they could bring an image in their minds to their medium of choice. He also gives a few explanations why people stop participating in artistic activity. He also says that some professions are artistic activity, but they are not recognized as art because of society’s definition of art, such as a landscaper and a book translator.

I thought that the book was very interesting. It really gives some insight into why so many people don’t participate in the fine arts or anything creative. They think that they are uncreative because they couldn’t play like Beethoven or draw like Rembrandt. So society says they are not creative. But in the study done by Schaefer-Simmern at a mental institution with mentally handicapped people, it really shows that everyone is creative (Sarason 30-65). “They could all participate on some level at their own developmental stage” (Sarason 34). That’s what really convinced me that people were very underestimated if you look at some of the drawings and quilting these individuals did.

I also have to say, regarding professions, I had never considered translators as creative people, although a well translated work means the difference between a great book and a horrible nightmare. If you really think about it the man who restores old cars is also an artist, he puts something of himself to the automobile. Gardeners could also be considered artists, they arrange the flowers and grow them, tend to them until they finally bloom and that person also put an image from their mind into the outside world. It really did make me think about things in a different light and how society needs to redefine its definition of art. These people seem to be more fulfilled according to Sarason and I believe him, if you participate in something that leaves your mark on the world, you’re going to be more fulfilled, even if you aren’t a “great artist”.

Sarason, Seymour. The Challenge of Art to Psychology. 1st. New Haven, London: Yale University, 1990. Print.