Abstract

The following theoretical and clinical investigation explores the therapeutic potentialities of popular culture iconography in the artwork of the individuating male adolescent. While most research assumes that popular culture's influence with regards to the adolescent is substantial, there have been very few studies which point to a beneficial use of this influence within the therapeutic process. The purpose of the present study is to show the validity of the adolescent's use of popular culture imagery within the art therapy context. Psychoanalytic theory is investigated with regards to identity formation as well as conceptions of 'sign' and 'symbol' delineation. Psychology and art therapy's historical and contemporary relationship to popular culture is pondered. The present research uses a symbolic interactionist frame and methodology, and suggests the need for a more multi-theoretical investigation within the art therapeutic domain. The clinical investigation consists of a case study occurring over ten-sessions within a Canadian metropolitan adolescent residential treatment milieu. Theory, artistic productions, and group interactions are examined with the hopes of shedding new light upon the useful properties of popular culture iconography within the art therapeutic space for the adolescent identity formation process.