Challenging Neoliberalism and Multicultural Love in Art Therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this article, I examine the ties between neoliberalism and multiculturalism in art therapy in the United States. I explore the neoliberal privatization of society as an influence of individualistic norms in the profession. I explain my analysis of multiculturalism using the 1954 film Magnificent Obsession and introduce the concept of a culturally situated love without ethical limits. This type of ideal love functions in art therapy as an expression of white privilege and multicultural color-blindness. I also describe the project Divisive, a collaborative live radio talk show, as an example of how I use my artist practice to engage in self-reflexive dialogue about ethics in art therapy.