Outsider Art and Art Therapy: Shared Histories, Current Issues, and Future Identities - Softcover

This exciting book looks at the relationship of art therapy with outsider art. It considers the history of both separately and in relation to each other, and the problems of definition for both. It is informed by work in open studios in several cities in the USA and bridges the gap between the USA and Europe. -- Marian Liebmann, art therapist

Outsider art, traditionally the work of psychiatric patients, offenders and minority groups, and art therapy have shared histories of art created in psychiatric care. As the two fields grow, this book reveals the current issues faced by both disciplines and traces their shared histories to help them build clearer and more coherent identities. More often than not, the history of art therapy has been tied to psychological and psychiatric roots, which has led to problems in defining the field and forced boundaries between what is considered 'art' and what is considered 'art therapy'. Similarly, the name and identity of outsider art is constantly debated. By viewing art therapy and outsider art through their shared histories, this book helps to alleviate the challenges and issues of definition faced by the fields today.