A psychoanalytic study of the appreciation of art

In this article I have used the self-object phenomenon, a discovery emanating from Kohut's new view of narcissism, as an organizing concept to consider the appreciation of art. The palpable art piece is described as a linking object which connects the psychological subjectivities of the artist and his audience. Immersion in the creative process is described as a progressive force which promotes the development of the personal self of the artist and also the viewing public who share in the artist's imaginative discoveries.