Creating Mixed Media Artworks: The Subconscious Mind’s Space for Mental Therapy

Abstract

           Creative research on the creation of mixed media artworks: The subconscious mind’s space for mental therapy aims to explore the effects of adverse experiences during the researcher’s childhood. These experiences, stemming from broken families, divorced parents, and prolonged separation from loved ones, impact the mind and current expressions of behavior, causing suffering. However, these experiences have also served as inspiration for the creation of mixed media works and installations. Building on the creative exploration of ‘The State of Suffering (Mental Therapy)’, the researcher employs wire as a material, expressing it through a semi-abstract form using visual art techniques, particularly wires represented by metal fiber materials. The process involves knitting, bending, interlocking, and overlapping to shape the material into forms reminiscent of various parts of the human body, portraying the state of the subconscious mind. These installations are placed in specific areas using creative methods of presentation. To enhance the understanding of themes, symbolic shapes, and techniques, the researcher gathers information from initial inspiration, related documents, and influences from other artworks. This information is then analyzed to achieve clarity in the creative process. Visual elements, materials, techniques, and principles of visual art and aesthetics are utilized to respond to ideas, resulting in creative works that have their own unique characteristics.

The results of the research revealed that utilizing wire as a visual element to knit, bend, and join together creates a shape resembling the human body. This form is suspended from the ceiling, exerting its weight in a semi-abstract manner. When strategically installed in an artistic style within a specific area, it conveys the meaning of suffering originating from the subconscious state. Operating within the framework of ideas inspired by personal experiences, the work communicates thoughts and feelings through media, materials, and techniques. Consequently, it has evolved into a contemporary, uniquely beautiful creative work. The outcomes of this creative research have led to distinctive and novel discoveries.