Research on the Thematic Approach via the Theme "The Group and Me" : In Pursuit of the Pertinent Educational Functions of the Thematic Approach and Art Therapy

Abstract

As a result of giving pictorial image three-dimensional form, the "artist" - by focusing on theme formation (i.e. defining what successfully three-dimensionalizes a pictorial image and should be perceived from the work) and studying the aesthetic content triggered by the expressive qualities manifested on the picture plane - becomes more receptive to the raison d'etre of life (living as the workings of pursuing value) and the meaning in character-building qualities. While artistic qualities appear as a sense of reality in the works, the educational action widely inherent within was greatly demonstrated. Whereas the healing and clarifying effects of art therapy rely exclusively on spontaneous creative behavior, the thematic approach involves character-expression as an expressional premise as well. Therein lies the greatest difference between art therapy and the thematic approach - a developmental form of this type of creative activity with recognizable social significance.