18/10/2024 Reading group with Gavin Edmonds

 

During the reading group, we were asked to read an article about two specific projective tests -- the Rorschach Inkblot Test and also the lesser-known Thematic Apperception Test (AllPsych, 2014). These tests are commonly use on psychoanalysis for interpretation. By understanding how these tests works, we got to realise how we all construe our own experiences onto images. This also explains why painters see paintings in different paintings.

 

In the session, I mentioned about Louise Bourgeois and her abstract print works from her Paris Review 1994 (Moma, 2024) series. Bourgeois projected herself as a pomegranate being squeezed(ibid.) because this artwork reflects her feelings after answering tremendous amounts of questions during Venice Biennale(ibid.). Also, the imagery has the Rorschach effect therefore others can see things in it (ibid.). This particular series of red abstraction prints reminds me of my screen-printing series (see figure 2), and how I can utilise the expression to project my feeling through abstract forms and colours (see figure 3 -5). (elaborate) In colour theory, colours have its own meanings. This is why I had been using the colour red to represent the often stereotypic “Chineseness”. [screen printing] This ambiguity of the interpretation of seeing an imagery leads me to move away from the red to grey to represent the ever-changing Chinese diasporic identity. third space

 

We also discussed about the possibility that analysts can unintentionally interfere with their diagnoses, where they project their own feelings or personal experiences onto the patient. Additionally, their judgments can be influenced by implicit biases, which misinterpret patient’s behaviours. Therefore I utilised the ambiguity on my painting to challenge people’s perception of identity.

 

Reference:

AllPsych (2014) Chapter 6.2: Specific projective tests, AllPsych. Available at: https://allpsych.com/personality-theory/dynamicassessment/rorschach/ (Accessed: 26 November 2024). 

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Moma (2024) Moma | louise bourgeois: The Complete Prints & Books | Louise bourgeois. Normandy Landing. 1944, The Complete Prints & Books | Louise bourgeois. Available at: https://www.moma.org/s/lb/collection_lb/object/object_objid-65033.html (Accessed: 26 November 2024).