The Transfer of Traumatic Experiences in Artists’ Works and Their Contributions to Social Memory

Abstract

Throughout history, societies have been exposed to various traumas. These traumas have been shaped by numerous factors, including wars, natural disasters, pandemics, economic crises, genocides, and political events, leaving lasting impacts on both individual and collective levels. However, studies on the artistic representation of these traumas remain limited, and there is a general lack of in-depth analysis regarding the role of social traumas in art. This study aims to examine how artists reflect social traumas in their works, the contributions of these works to collective memory, and their impact on viewers.

The study investigates how artists convey traumatic events and processes through art, focusing on the techniques and forms of expression they employ. As a data collection method, historical artworks and biographical analyses of artists have been utilized. The artworks were analyzed using content analysis, revealing how artists confront social traumas and communicate this confrontation to their audience. Artists do not merely depict traumas as personal experiences but also engage with them as a means of fostering social responsibility and awareness.