The Sixth Annual Art Show of the American Psychoanalytic Association was held at the 2014 National Meeting on Friday, January 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The show was initiated and developed by Jon Meyer whose absence this year was felt by all.
Although unconscious processes involved in creativity—its complex dynamic functions and myriad forms of expression—become apparent to analysts in the course of their scholarship and clinical work; opportunities to view and discuss original artwork with analytically-informed artists are rare. That is why I volunteered to organize the art show in Jon's stead, and why I support its continuance.
Twenty artists, an enriching mix of first-time exhibitors and veterans, invested considerable effort transporting and displaying their art, a collective feat for which I am most appreciative, and engaged in lively conversation among themselves and with the steady stream of viewers. Discussion ranged from artistic techniques and materials to psychological inspirations to personal experience of presenting one's intimate creations publicly. Many viewers, moved by the enthusiasm of the event, shared digital images of their art on cell phones and electronic tablets.
Out of the individual uniqueness and diversity of exhibits and exhibitors emerged a cohesion that took on qualities of an affable salon or forum. Black and white and color photographs, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, collages, oil paintings, jewelry, wood carvings, and stone sculptures adorned the Herbert Hoover Suite with artistic perspectives varying from highly representational to the surreal to abstract.
Exhibiting artists were: Graciela Abelin-Sas, Rosa Aurora Chavez-Eakle, Newell Fischer, Richard Honig, Lee Jaffe, Anna Janicki, William Kenner, Ellen Kolansky, Valerie Laabs-Siemon, Mali Mann, Paul Mosher, Judith Pitlick, Raymond Raskin, Arnold Richards, Cheryl Seaman, Moisy Shopper, Helen Stein, Victoria Todd, Sebastian Zimmerman, and me. Special thanks to APsaA's Carolyn Gatto without whose support and guidance the show could not have gone on.
The Cartoon Caption Contest was a delightful addition to this year's art show; choosing three winners from the 87 witty submissions proved equally difficult and entertaining. Victoria Todd provided the watercolor cartoon and awards for winners, cards from her Standard Edition of SigiCartoons.
First Place:
“On that note—let's stop for today.” Kay Levine
Second Place:
“Pink Freud and the Light Side of the Moon.” Jessica Brown
Third Place:
“The title of Tootem and Taboo is first conceived of.” Alan Kessler
Given that a picture may still be worth a thousand words—notwithstanding the ease of making tails appear to wag dogs by digital editing—I will let the photos of your colleagues' artwork speak for themselves.
To view a larger sample of color digital images of exhibitors' work go to and open the set labeled APSA Art Show.
Robert L. Welker, Ph.D., is a psychologist and psychoanalyst in private practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.