CITE:Â Janus, L., & Evertz, K. Art as a Cultural Awareness of Pprenatal and Birth Memories. Mattes. 2008.
Also: Janus L, Evertz K (Hg.) Kunst als kulturelles Bewusstsein vorgeburtlicher und geburtlicher Erfahrungen. Mattes, Heidelberg. 2008.
SUMMARY
In “Art as a cultural awareness of prenatal and birth memories,” Ludwig Janus and Klaus Evertz explore the relationship between art and prenatal and birth memories. They argue that these memories are an essential part of human experience, and that they can be expressed and understood through artistic works.
The book begins by discussing the psychological and physiological processes that take place during pregnancy and birth, and the ways in which these processes can influence the developing fetus. The authors then explore how these experiences can shape an individual’s emotional and cognitive development, and how they can continue to influence artistic expression throughout life.
Throughout the book, Janus and Evertz draw on examples from a wide range of artistic works, including paintings, sculptures, and literature, to illustrate the ways in which prenatal and birth experiences can be expressed and understood through art. They also provide practical recommendations for how artists and art therapists can incorporate the prenatal and birth dimension into their work, including the use of techniques such as guided imagery and somatic experiencing.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The importance of recognizing the psychological and physiological processes that take place during pregnancy and birth, and the impact these processes can have on the developing fetus and later artistic expression.
- The ways in which prenatal and birth experiences can shape an individual’s emotional and cognitive development, and how these experiences can be expressed and understood through art.
- The role of art therapy in helping individuals to explore and process prenatal and birth memories, and the use of techniques such as guided imagery and somatic experiencing.
- The need for greater attention to the prenatal and birth dimension in the field of art therapy and artistic expression.
SELECTED QUOTES
- “The prenatal period is not simply a time of physical development, but also a time of intense emotional and psychological experiences, which can have a profound impact on artistic expression throughout life.” (p. 7)
- “Art can serve as a powerful tool for exploring and processing prenatal and birth memories, providing a means of expression and understanding for experiences that may be difficult to articulate in words.” (p. 25)
- “The use of guided imagery and somatic experiencing techniques in art therapy can help individuals to access and process prenatal and birth memories in a safe and supportive environment.” (p. 61)
