Individuation Symbols in XXth Century Art: Picasso Case-Study

In the beginning the author gives a definition of the concept of individuation. Individuation is defined as the process of development of the internal potential of the person. In the process of individua-tion man finds the meaning of life and spiritual harmony. Then, the author gives a stricter definition of CG Jung's "Persona", "Shadow", "Anima", "Animus" and "Self' and the way the archetypes manifest itself in the art. More options values self concepts discussed in detail in Jungian concept. For the purposes of this study "Self' is considered more like the uniqueness of each Persona and its self- realization. Then, the author comes to Picasso's self-portraits, considering each as a stage in his life-story. The understanding of his life-story through the process of individuation is even more surprising. Early self-portraits' symbolism appears to be in full compliance with different stages of individuation, the archetype of "Persona". The artist's "blue period" stands closer to the archetype of "Shadows." Ever since appr. 1907, the "Shadows" appear to dominate and disclose in full in his Cubist masterpieces. According to the author, the archetype of the "shadows" came out under the influence of African ritual masks. "Anima" is better seen in his female portraits, in his post- 1917 period. The "Anima" in Picasso's masterpieces appears either as (1) the aristocratic and haughty "anima"; or (2) passive, sensual and supple "anima"; or (3) hysterical ugly "anima". It is exactly when the "Anima" acquires the image of horse and greater masculinity ("Animus") in the image of bull. Bull then becomes Minotaur, to mark ever since 1933, a final stage of the process of individuation, or the "Self." Monster Minotaur is at the same time an animal, a human being and a deity, the article maintains. It is important that the symbols of the self appear in the Mature period of the artist. This corresponds to the theory of individuation by C. G. Jung. In conclusion, the author shows how Picasso's art goes in line with its era of individuation, including first, such values of individualism as creativity and innovation; second, the volatility of self-identification; third, disappointment in traditional values; fourth, a painful exit to the social level of the archetype "Shadows"; fifth, release of the "Anima", an archetype long suppressed by patriarchal Western culture; sixth, interpenetration of the archetypal symbols of different cultures as part of the process of globalization.

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