Using Dual Self-Portrait Drawings to Work on The Unconscious and Persona

Artists often experiment with self-portraits, defined as a portrait made by the artists
themselves. The background of this study links to the theories of Freud and Jung relating to
the personal unconscious and collective unconscious. The study presents self-portrait
drawings as a method of working to understand one’s state of the unconscious and the
persona. The dual self-portrait drawing allows two sides to be shown, the inner side and the
outer side, which may reflect one’s persona or masked self. Less than 20 young adults and
seniors have participated in the activity, to which they voluntarily shared insights on their
process of creating the dual self-portrait. Most individuals are able to better understand
themselves in their current state, their hidden feelings and unspoken words, and some have
shown deeper insights as they reflected on the drawing process. The approach taken
throughout the drawing process is non-directive. However prompt questions were given after
to assist participants as they reflect and gain new perspectives.