Body image: S. Gallagher - V. Gallese

Body image: S. Gallagher - V. Gallese

January 25th/26th
9th Italian Psychoanalytic Dialogues (IPD) / The International Neuropsychoanalysis Society (NPSA) Rome Conference
Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio
Via Cavour 18, Rome (IT)
https://npsa-association.org/events/ipd-npsa-conference-2025/

The 9th edition of the IPD/NPSA Rome Conference was held on the 25th and 26th of January 2025 in a hybrid format (in person at Hotel d’Azeglio or online). The conference addressed the topic of body image construction, exploring both theoretical research on its formation and clinical research on eating disorders and dysmorphophobia.

On Saturday, the dialogue on body image formation involved the perspective of philosophy of mind (S. Gallagher), neuroscience (V. Gallese)  and neuroaesthetics (L. Oppenheim) with Dr. Luca Caldironi as chairman.
On Sunday, clinical cases and a panel discussion addressed the clinical issue of how to deal with body image disorders, with a lively contribution from the audience.

 
 

Psychosomatic Health of All Age Group, with Specific Focus on Teenager’s Psychological and Psychosomatic Health

Psychosomatic Health of All Age Group, with Specific Focus on Teenager’s Psychological and Psychosomatic Health

November 29th
6th Central China Forum on Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine
Third People’s Hospital of Henan Province
Zhengzhou City, China

Hosted by the Third People’s Hospital of Henan Province (Zhengzhou, China), the 6th Central China Forum on Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine took place between November 29th and December 1st 2024 alongside the 2024 Academic Conference.

The conference aimed to foster academic exchange in Psychosomatic Medicine around the central topic of Psychosomatic health of all age group, developing five key sections: “Thematic Reports”, “Case Supervision”, “Psychotherapy and Pyschosomatic Forum”, “Professional Psychological Ethics and Law”, “Banquet and Travel”.

On this occasion Dr. Luca Caldironi presented an interesting analysis of the long-term relationship between Art and Psychoanalysis, focusing specifically on some neuro-physiological bases related to the perception of emotions, giving space to the psycho-somatic area and its functioning.
His presentation provided also a protocol related to the fruition of the work of art meant to be particularly useful in working both with adolescents and caregivers.

‘Why do moths fly like crazy fucks in the night?’ The Creative Impulse as Seen Through the Lens of Louise Bourgeois

‘Why do moths fly like crazy fucks in the night?’ The Creative Impulse as Seen Through the Lens of Louise Bourgeois

November 9th
New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute
247 East 82nd Street, New York
https://nypsi.org/events/special-event-why-do-moths-fly-like-crazy-fcks-in-the-night/

Sue Pam-Grant presented Why do moths fly like crazy fucks in the night?, an encounter with the inner workings of the mind of Louise Bourgeois, a prolific French-American artist of the 20th century.
A writer, actor, and visual artist, Pam-Grant took the audience on an exciting interdisciplinary journey reflecting on Bourgeois’ psychic life.

Well-versed in psychoanalytic literature and concepts, as well as a long-term analysand, Bourgeois used psychoanalytic concepts to inspire her art over the course of many years. Utilizing art as a means of self-exploration, Bourgeois’ artworks reflect her inner struggles with abandonment, misogyny, sexuality, fear and anger. Bourgeois’ complex relationship with creativity and psychoanalysis sets the scene for an interesting consideration of art, mental health and the relationship between them.

Following Sue Pam-Grant’s performance, there was a panel discussion with two psychoanalysts who have long been devoted to the visual arts. Britt-Marie Schiller, Ph.D. and Luca Caldironi, M.D. each presented a paper discussing psychoanalytic considerations of creativity from various perspectives (Freudian, Bionian, etc.).
One of the panelists, Dr. Schiller, an analyst in private practice in St. Louis, has written extensively on psychoanalysis and art. She has published in JAPA articles that consider the art of Louise Bourgeois, whose making of art is the focus of the performance, from various analytic perspectives. The other panelist, Dr. Caldironi, has also written numerous articles on artistic creativity and, in addition to maintaining his private analytic practice, is the founder/owner of an art gallery in Venice.
The discussion was set to raise clinicians’ awareness of the origins of creativity as related to mental health as well as the ways creative practice may improve mental health.

Cultura e Benessere Beyond Borders: Exploring the Strenghts and Struggles of First Generation Italian Immigrant's Well-being

Cultura e Benessere Beyond Borders: Exploring the Strenghts and Struggles of First Generation Italian Immigrant's Well-being

November 7th 2024
Consulate General of Italy
690 Park Avenue, New York

Organized by Com.It.Es New York
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Grande-successo-per-l-evento-sulla-salute-e-sul-benessere-degli-immigrati.html?soid=1135102872198&aid=pzB5AJLf-4A

Living in a foreign country often involves navigating dual identities, feeling caught between two different worlds. Psychologists and psychiatrists advise “This discomfort is often underestimated. Those who overcome it can turn it into a source of enrichment”.

An unmissable event took place at the Consulate General of Italy on Park Avenue 690 on November 7, 2024, at precisely 5:30 PM.
The primary focus was the well-being of Italian immigrants in America, with personal stories and professional insights shared by cultural and healthcare experts, who discussed the strengths and challenges faced by the first generation of expats.
Conceived by Comites (Committee of Italians Abroad) and organized by lead promoter Leide Porcu, a respected psychotherapist in New York's Italian community and Comites council member, the event opened with formal greetings from the Consul General, Fabrizio Di Michele, and was moderated by Mediaset TV journalist Francesca Di Matteo. Participating in the roundtable discussion were prominent figures from the Italian and Italian-American communities in New York, along with international psychology experts, who offered insights on crucial and current topics like resilience, support, and mutual unity.

“The Italian community is extraordinarily diverse, yet united by a shared heritage and values. Italians abroad represent one-tenth of Italy's population, with almost 90.000 people residing in the Tri-State area alone”, explained Leide Porcu. About the project, she shared her "dream" for it: “I want us to be connected by a common thread. A thread like that of Maria Lai’s project, The Ribbon of Ulassai, which connected her small Sardinian community beyond any divisions. We at Comites are committed to this vision of unity, mutual assistance, and well-being. We are weaving connections that transcend cultural barriers and promote a cohesive community”. Unity, cohesion, and mutual support, for the many who live far from their homeland, represent pillars of shared experience and comfort, as the organizer emphasized, drawing from her personal experience in New York. “Having arrived in New York 30 years ago, I know firsthand the joys and challenges that each phase of immigrant life entails. I address these issues daily in my work. This experience, shared by many, is why events like this are essential for the community”.

Emphasizing Comites' commitment to an issue never before addressed at an institutional level, Enrico Zanon, President of the Tri-State Committee of Italians Abroad, said “In many years away from Italy, I’ve never heard reflections on the emotional state of recent Italian immigrants, in terms of their psychological well-being and the strengths that help them overcome crises and difficulties. It’s therefore right that Comites, starting with Leide Porcu, who deserves our thanks, along with the help of professionals, helps explain the reality that many people experience”.

A unique moment, then, offering those in attendance the chance to listen to the reflections of two groups of experts.
The Cultural Team, featuring notable voices such as Elena Perazzini, Stefano Vaccara and Anthony Tamburri,  explored cultural identity, integration, and heritage preservation across generations.
The Well-Being Team, led by experts Patrizia Riccardi, Luca Caldironi, Danielle Knafo, Robert Leahy and Claudia Godi, focused on health, resilience, and personal well-being. From the psychological adaptation necessary to thrive in a dynamic metropolis to strategies for maintaining emotional stability and community bonds, their talks aimed to provide tools for facing the challenges of immigrant life. This unique combination of cultural and well-being discussions underscores Comites' commitment to addressing the full spectrum of Italian immigrants' experiences.

The conference included a Q&A session, where participants could ask questions in both English and Italian, fostering a truly inclusive dialogue. A final toast followed to celebrate the resilience and unity of the Italian community in New York. “Together, we explore what it means to find strength beyond borders”.

 

Pandemia di solitudine? Laboratorio creativo per ragazzi

PANDEMIA DI SOLITUDINE? Cosa provano e pensano i nostri ragazzi?

LABORATORIO CREATIVO PER RAGAZZI DA 10 A 14 ANNI, sul tema della solitudine.

Domenica 18 e 25 Giugno, dalle 16.30 alle 19
Galleria Castello925, Fondamenta S. Giuseppe 925, Venezia

Perché della scelta del tema:

Vivek Murthy (rappresentante Usa nell'esecutivo dell'Organizzazione mondiale della sanità) ha dichiarato che negli Stati Uniti, ma forse nel mondo, è in corso "un'epidemia di solitudine".
Circa la metà degli americani adulti vive nella condizione psichica che lui denuncia. Nell'ultima metà del secolo i nuclei familiari single sono raddoppiati. E la pandemia di Covid-19 ha peggiorato la situazione.
"La solitudine", ha detto Murthy, "è come la fame o la sete. Una sensazione che il corpo ci invia quando qualcosa di cui abbiamo bisogno per la sopravvivenza viene a mancare. Ecco il motivo per cui ho lanciato l'allarme".

Obiettivi del laboratorio:

Offrire uno spazio ai ragazzi dove possano esprimere attraverso i materiali artistici il loro modo di sentire la solitudine, facilitando in questo modo il dialogo interno con sé stessi ed in un secondo momento la condivisione ed il dialogo con il gruppo.

Le opere create verranno esposte e potranno essere visitate durante la settimana dal 29 giugno al 2 luglio in galleria Castello925.

Conduce il laboratorio:

Dott.ssa Rebeca Macià (Arteterapeuta)
Nata in Spagna. Laureata in Belle Arti. Master in Arteterapia presso Università di Barcellona nel 2007. Diplomata in Osservazione Psicoanalitica di bambini e famiglie presso University of East London nel 2014. Master di Specializzazione in Arteterapia Clinica presso Art Therapy Italiana nel 2020. Vive in Italia e lavora come Arteterapeuta dal 2006 in studio privato, a Mestre e Venezia e collabora con enti del territorio.
Sito: www.arteterapialaguna.it

Per iscrizioni al laboratorio:
Dott.ssa Rebeca Macià +39 329 181 3936
Gallery assistant Dr.ssa Simona Nazari +39 349 068 7641

Dinner into art

Dinner into art

May 6th, 2023
Corte dell’Arte, Venice

On Saturday May 6th, a private event was held, organised by Orseola Barozzi of Castello925 Cultural Association in collaboration with Corte dell’Arte, which provided its wonderful location. This event also represented the beginning of the collaboration between Castello 925 and Corte dell'Arte.

It was thought that combining the conviviality of a dinner within an art space could be the best way to celebrate this partnership.
In particular, the theme of the current exhibition at Corte dell'Arte, ‘From Persephone to Flora’, was kept as common thread by combining symbolic roots and ‘food enjoyment’! In an associative slogan, one could say ‘food for the mind’ & ‘mind for the food’!

Rebirth, alternation of colours and rites of passage flowed through the spaces enabling exchanges and transitions among the participants …

For the more curious we can add that the menu, entirely cooked by Orseola together with the participation of the visual artist Luisa Eugeni, included:
A welcome appetizer of red turnip focaccia decorated with cucumbers, oil from Arezzo and Trapani salt.
An appetizer with raw scampi dipped in gazpacho on crispy seaweed islands.
As the first course, a risotto with carletti and bruscandoli in a parmesan basket.
In the second half appeared... monkfish on a bed of asparagus and cannellini beans cream.
Dulcis in fundo, strawberry cheesecake and, to finish, ‘rispecchia-menti’ (mirror-moments) of fruit.
 All washed down with three natural wines from Gian Antonio Posocco's Terre Grosse winery.

Thanks to:
Corte dell'Arte for the hospitality.
Anne Mourier and Helen Galante, artists of the exhibition ‘From Persephone to Flora’ exhibition.
And thanks again to Orseola Barozzi and Luisa Eugeni for the preparation and presentation of the dishes and to all those, with their presence, made this experience possible... Dinner into art!

Mirrorings. Forms of desire and portrait of identity - Panel discussion

Mirrorings. Forms of desire and portrait of identity - Panel discussion

February 15, 6pm
Istituto Italiano di Cultura
686 Park Avenue, New York
https://iicnewyork.esteri.it/iic_newyork/en/gli_eventi/calendario/2023/02/storie-che-ho-scritto-di-voi-mostra.html

The Italian Cultural Institute in New York and the International Association for Art and Psychology (I.A.A.Ps.), founded by the psychoanalyst-psychiatrist and art historian Dr. Graziella Magherini, are pleased to present the panel: Mirrorings Forms of desire and portrait of identity on the occasion of the opening of Stories I wrote about You a photo exhibitionby by artist Roberto Baroncini.

Among the speakers I.A.A.Ps honorary member Dr. Harold Blum, the President of the Association, Dr. Roberto Boccalon, Drs. Jean-Michel Rabaté, Lois Oppenheim, and Luca Caldironi.

The initiative furthers the goals inherent within the Association since its inception: internationality and the exploration of the relationships that exist between the visual arts, literature, music and the psychological arena understood in its broadest sense as a creative phenomenon. The event will also serve to reestablish the ancient ties that existed at its founding, ties with the United States and New York in particular.

Following the discussion, a musical performance offered by Silvia Cesco on classical guitar, and the screening of a short video by Roberto Baroncini, based on the theme of his iconic work.

“Brain Drawings” by Linda Karshan

“Brain Drawings” by Linda Karshan

Il particolare metodo di disegno dell’artista Linda Karshan

Giovedì 22 Dicembre, ore 17:00
Aula Magna Ateneo Veneto

Proiezione del documentario prodotto dall’Associazione Culturale RO.SA.M.
“Silhouette in balance, Linda Karshan at the Abbey of San Giorgio, fron sunrise to sunset” (2018), Regia di Marco Agostinelli.

Introduzione di Roberta Semeraro con Marco Agostinelli e Carmelo Grasso

Linda Karshan conversa con Giulia Martina Weston, Ximena Montano, Luca Caldironi, Anthony Molino

Il lettino e la piazza: Anato-Mie. Confronti possibili

Il lettino e la piazza: Anato-Mie. Confronti possibili

November 19, 2022
Biblioteca Salaborsa Bologna

Psicoanalisti e intellettuali a confronto con le istanze più urgenti del presente.
Il Centro psicoanalitico di Bologna in collaborazione con Biblioteca Salaborsa propone una riflessione sul tema della bellezza, in particolare nel suo rapporto con la cura.

Con “Anato-Mie. Confronti possibili” Luca Caldironi dialoga con l’artista Sissi.

In collaborazione con Società Psicoanalitica Italiana e Centro Psicoanalitico di Bologna

Night in the gallery

Night in the gallery
‘The thousand and one nights’ project

November 11, 2022
Castello925 Venice

Works by Kaethe Kauffman
Group moderator Luca Caldironi

On November 11th, after several years of activity, in the space of the Castello925 gallery, Luca Caldironi mediated and organized the experience ‘a night in the gallery’ with the artworks of artist Kaethe Kauffman. The experience is part of the project ‘The thousand and one nights’.

The meeting of the participants took place in an in-formal way. From the very beginning, it has been left space for sharing the emotional motivations that each person brought with them and the fantasies that supported them. It was not, therefore, an introduction in classical form, but rather a moment that allowed for the expression of those personal elements in which each person could recognize themselves and which they felt were characteristic for expressing their own personality.
Thus, a way was created to immediately interweave individual and group experiences through their own private symbology.

 Evocative was the date. November 11th is, in fact, St. Martin’s Day, whose origin is Christian, but whose meaning goes beyond religion. The secular possibility of talking about the ‘gift’, the ability to give something of oneself to the Other, an Other with capital O as representative of the encounter with otherness in its broadest sense. An otherness that involves not only the relationship with people and with each other, but also with one’s own inner parts, not surprisingly, the conversations went on talking about ‘dreams’, both the dreams of the night and dreams of wakefulness.

 But let us proceed step by step! After this first stage, a certain ‘sensory’ or ‘taste property’ could not be excluded. Eating together expressed the value that emotional nourishment could not neglect, that of the body!
Returning the mind to the body, T. Ogden reminds us event better ‘Re-Minding the Body’, which allows us to play with the meanings of the verb: re-mind, ‘to remind someone of something’, ‘to provide a new mind’, ‘to take care’!

Then, restarting from the ‘container’-gallery, a deepening of the meeting was resumed in anticipation of the night. The themes continued to be that of the ‘gift’ and ‘for-giving’ and for this purpose some literary traces were used such as J. Borges and his tale of Cain and Abel, a ‘secret companion’ of the participants – Conrad would say. Again, the encounter with the other offered that useful disorientation in which, or rather ‘though which’ memories could con-fuse.

Once the mattresses were laid out and the blankets arranged, participants slept under Kaethe Kauffman’s works that like totems protected and ruled their dreams.

The following morning, over a cup of tea, the guests once again shared their experiences regarding the activity, with a special focus on dreams. Given the topic and its privateness, we cannot go into it any further, but the more general notes that emerged among the participants can be referred to a ‘sense of security’, a ‘non-invasive’ sharing of space and the fact that the different perspective of observation, both of one’s own thoughts and of the exhibited works, led to a fruitful regression that opened new dimensions of meaning and worldviews.

Given the value of this experience and the positive feedback provided, Castello925 gallery is committed to organize and propose it again with other artists and those interested in the project.