The Visual Pleasures of Art Therapy

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House-tree-person (a group iteration) is a fascinating collective exhibition currently held at BlankMag Books in New York City. Co-curated by the therapist Daniel Soprano and the artist Jesus Antonio, this event invites viewers to explore the intersections of art and psychology. The exhibition draws its title from the House-Tree-Person assessment, a projective psychological evaluation created by clinical psychologist John N. Buck and first appeared in Clinical Psychology Monographs in 1948. This tool aims to reveal hidden emotions concerning one's self, home, and family dynamics.

In his inaugural curatorial endeavor, Soprano, who is also known for hosting the Say You Swear podcast, engaged 15 artists to reinterpret a more accessible version of the traditional prompts used in clinical settings. His introduction to the H-T-P test occurred during his graduate studies, where he became enthralled by the synchronous relationship between art and psychological assessment. “The instant connection between art and psychology captivated me,” Soprano shared with Hyperallergic. Although initially pursuing a career as an artist or designer seemed out of reach for him, he realized his creative impulses could coexist with his therapeutic work.











The interpretations presented by the participating artists reflect an expansive range of personal perspectives while mimicking the therapeutic setting of the original test. Hunter Ney's collaged representation incorporates a house, tree, and person as intricate, layered worlds, with Tinkerbell magically adorning a shadowy green tree and a pair of enigmatic figures enveloped in a swirling crimson. Meanwhile, Sarame Sahgal's contribution features Polaroids capturing a small house artfully positioned on a warmly illuminated bed, alongside a sprawling tree trunk and a person almost hidden by vibrant sunlight. Lee Dawson, adopting a blend of watercolor, markers, and graphite, creates abstract works reminiscent of vivid oil spills.

“The H-T-P format is exceptionally compatible with a group exhibition,” Soprano noted, highlighting the test's adaptable nature. The display is meticulously organized, each piece elegantly framed and aligned vertically. Maith Logan contributes a watercolor and graphite "house" that intriguingly morphs into a feminine figure, encircled by trees—a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between home and its inhabitants.

Shana Sadeghi-Ray’s digital prints present constellations of imagery—35 smaller images that include chandeliers, seashells, and furniture for the house; honey bears, Christmas trees, and leaves for the tree; and a tapestry of life with images of infants, Kewpie dolls, and an X-ray for the person. The interconnectedness of definitions surrounding a home, body, and land resonates deeply in this exhibition, where simple objects evoke profound reflections on identity and belonging.

















house-tree-person (a group iteration) will be on display at BlankMag Books (17 Eldridge Street, Chinatown, Manhattan) until October 5. The exhibition is co-curated by Daniel Soprano and Jesus Antonio. Additionally, ten percent of the exhibition’s proceeds will be donated to the American Art Therapy Association.

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