The Hidden Order of Art : A Study on the Psychology of Artistic Imagination

by Anton Ehrenzweig

This description of the psychology of artistic creativity, focusing on the visual arts and music, shows that, in addition to conscious, intellectual critical powers, both the child and the creative artist rely on an unconscious, intuitive critical process to give shape to their view of the world.

Genres: Art, Philosophy, Psychology, Theory

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Othy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really somewhat unsure what I should rate this book, though in the end I agree with what (I think) the author is trying to say, and do think that his ideas are good. Generally, that is. Much of the book is rambling, though the author, in the preface, writes that he's fine with that. Some of his supporting ideas, such as there are no complimentary forms or colors in nature, or that art is the creation of a womb are a little bit strange. The final few chapters get a bit disgusting, actually, and he uses Freud overmuch. In the end, though, a very interesting book, if one can get back all the extreme stuff...

[Caroline Loftus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on a whim in a used book store because the title and cover design were enticing. This is a very interesting book about the relationship between artistic visual perception and primary processes. I’m interested in the idea of “psychoanalytic aesthetics,” and this book is an attempt at that, being half instruction manual for how to teach art and half wild speculation about Frazer’s dying god theory and the devouring mother and anal sadism and so on. It’s rambly and repetitive, but I love where the author went. I would love to read more clinical books on this topic.

[Bernie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the first third of the book was insightful and that Ehrenzweig managed to get inside my creative mind. He was able to put into words the process of making art and the different levels of artist consciousness used. His jargon was a bit difficult at first and needed my full attention but was not off-putting since I found it interesting.
So why only two stars you may ask? Well, it went down hill when he delved into the psychoanalysis of mythical legends. He went on and on giving example after example of the devouring mother and the son's revenge from Oedipus to many other characters of legend. It was only in the last two chapters he returned to the artist and by then I had lost the will to even care and couldn't wait to give it up as a bad read.
I am sure there are many out there that would find it very interesting but being a newcomer to the theories of Freud and Jong and finding it hard to believe ideas that seem to be impossible to prove I am not a fan.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many books inform. A rare few lift the veil on - and change - how you perceive perception itself. The Hidden Order of Art is one of those.

Ehrenzweig explores how unconscious, often chaotic mental processes underlie the eventual clarity of artistic form and perception, long before these surface in conscious understanding or creation.

The theories and approaches are not exact, and at times the reasoning is hard to follow without having a sound psychoanalytic background or having the Odyssey fresh in the mind. For new readers I’d recommend reading the Glossary Appendix before starting the book itself.

Still, a fascinating work that reactivated long-dormant intuitions. I doubt I’ll ever fully digest it, and I’m sure I’ll return to it in the future

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard of Ehrenzweig's book in a bibliography of Juhani Pallasmaa's. Pallasmaa highly regarded this book and mentioned it as one of the most important books in art psychology even today.

The first half of the book elaborates on what the essence of creativity is and how we can tap into it. The second half uses examples in modern art and also uses the hero-myth (Joseph Campbell) to further explain the process of creativity. This book brings to attention a greater appreciation and understanding into the complex notions of creativity.