Aggression in painting - painting as a means of release of aggression

Painting is a primordial expression. It is not as rigidly defined, edited and criticized as verbal expression. On the other hand, society is more tolerant of painting, and subjects otherwise taboo, like sex, are not rejected. Through painting, aggression can be expressed in different ways, by using piercing and sharp forms; colors that clash; color can be put on the canvas with anger, used as a material. Aggression can also be expressed in the content of the painting, like in a story with an aggression plot. When we encourage individuals to channel their aggression in socially tolerated ways, we teach the aggressive person to release his aggression without jeopardizing his place in society and help him to accept socially approved values and attitudes. We can define this achievement as a step towards the social rehabilitation of the aggressive individuals. The paintings, 16 in all, of 8 mental patients are analyzed.