Creativity as a means of shaping human subjectivity according to Wiesław Karolak (2024)
The aim of this article is to present creativity as a means of shaping human subjectivity, based on the art therapy practice of Wiesław Karolak. The author’s understanding of art therapy is one of therapy through creativity (or artistic expression). It is based on the belief in man’s creative nature. Creativity is not exclusively reserved for artists, as it is a universal trait that characterizes ever y human being. However, the adoption of creative attitudes in contemporar y culture is not encouraged by modern scientific and technological civilization and consumerism. A human being can choose between two ways of functioning: the automatic realization of imposed patterns of existence, or the conscious experience of life, which involves setting one’s own goals. It is necessar y to actualize the creative nature, including the dispositions responsible for creation, in order to become a subject, i.e., the source of one’s actions.The Creativity Supporting Development program, co-authored by Karolak, is undoubtedly helpful in this process. The author implements its principles in art therapy workshops, the purpose of which is the formation of human subjectivity. Based on his own artistic education, he gives a special role to expressing the visual. He frequently uses drawing, which he equates with thinking. Through the creative activity of drawing, the participants in the workshops become aware of what was previously incomprehensible to them and gain insight into their own emotions, which ultimately leads to self-knowledge. Through the discover y of their own creativity in the realm of art, they have the desire to use it in their daily experiences. In this way, they become conscious subjects who responsibly direct their own lives according to the knowledge gained through creative exploration. Artistic expression activates a creative attitude that is characterized by “novelty”. Thus, human subjectivity is an expression of productive thinking in the conceptualization of Otto Selz, which takes on a creative form within a specific social context. The method of content analysis is the basis of this text.
Keywords: nauki o kulturze i religii