Between periphery and centre: exploring the transformative potential of creative practice following trauma and fractured identity in late discovery of adoption

Abstract

This dissertation explores psychological trauma, identity fracture, and repair within the context of late discovery adoption (LDA). It examines the transformative potential of visual arts as a medium for navigating the emotional upheaval caused by the revelation of adoption in adulthood, emphasising catharsis and post-traumatic growth. Through storytelling, particularly art making, this study positions creative practice as a tool for reshaping identity, facilitating healing, and fostering transformation. Art’s ability to transcend language provides a conduit for expressing complex emotions, addressing trauma and the reconstruction of the self. Drawing inspiration from the works of Mark Hogancamp, Chiharu Shiota, Kader Attia, and Bouke de Vries, the research engages with themes of trauma, fracture, and self-repair. It contributes to broader discourses on identity and healing within both contemporary art and LDA studies. The culmination of this practice-led enquiry is an art installation that reflects a child’s perspective and is presented as the child’s dreams. Within the destabilising experience of LDA, art serves as both a metaphorical and literal space for repair, highlighting the transformative power of creative expression