Visual and narrative comprehension of trauma

“This article argues that though art is assumed to be useful as an intuitive means of representation, its usefulness in offering insight into trauma depends on accompanying narratives. Four artists’ works considered herein illuminate how the synergistic interplay between art and expository input from personal narratives can augment comprehension of trauma”. This article includes artwork from  Luzene Hill, David Wojnarowicz, Tania Love Abramson. Luzene Hill’s work, Retracing the Trace, depicts their experience with rape and the silencing of women within our society. The art installment shows her body lying on the ground with blood red knots scattered around her body. This article could be used in a class discussion based on how trauma can be made tangible and expressed through mediums such as art. 



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