ABSTRACT

The role of destruction in creativity was introduced to psychoanalysis in 1912 by Viennese psychoanalyst Sabina Spielrein, an early participant of the psychoanalytic movement, whose visionary contribution has long been forgotten. This chapter begins with the seminal role of destructiveness in creativity. The destruction of the painting structure represented by a chaotic image is typically followed by an organised image indicating that its elements are under control. The destruction the artist engages in is a response to something not working out in the work when things seem to go awry. Destruction of work in progress may have different sources. Some-times the artist is unhappy about a painting in progress and, in anger or hate towards what is in it, ruthlessly destroys parts of it or the whole painting. During the act of destruction of aspects of the work, the artist is concerned that there might not be anything worthwhile left after the attack.