Jennifer Flack

Fine Art - BA (Hons)

My practice primarily focuses on psychology and the quintessence of living life with trauma. The most influential aspect in my research was the studies of psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut and resulting theories of Richard Schwartz in Internal Family Systems Therapy. Kohut’s studies inspired modern day psychiatric techniques that help people resolve complications as a result of a damaging family dynamic.

I found solace in these studies after experiencing sustained trauma. I discovered a mass of information explaining what I have been through, why I went through it and what I continue to experience as a result of it and these findings were ground-breaking for me and my healing journey. I create my work with the intentions of educating, preventing and raising awareness of abuse and mental health stigmas.

The work I create is figurative, illustrative and pertains to a deeper meaning or message that I am particularly passionate about, expressed through my own personal experiences. The artistic influences for my practice are predominantly contemporary works that have a dark and somewhat eerie atmosphere about them. Artists such as Hans Bellmer and Louise Borgeouis greatly influenced my practice; they carry an emotional weight that’s honest and unapologetic. This I feel is crucial in portraying topics such as trauma; the more we know, the more we can prevent, heal and support.