A Theoretical Analysis of Inner Art and Its Role in the Process of Human Creativity

Abstract

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the inner dimensions of the human being in explaining the process of artistic creativity; nevertheless, the role of mental, emotional, imaginative, and unconscious experiences in many prevailing theories of art remains fragmented and lacks a coherent conceptual framework. The main concern of this study is to conceptualize the notion of “inner art” and to examine its role in the process of artistic creation. Adopting an analytical–theoretical approach and drawing on perspectives from the philosophy of art, the psychology of creativity, and aesthetic theories, the present research seeks to rethink the relationship between the human inner realm and artistic expression. Within this framework, inner art is defined as a dynamic and multilayered domain of mental, emotional, imaginative, and unconscious experiences that takes shape within the artist before the external manifestation of the artwork and, through continuous interaction with external realities, determines the direction, meaning, and identity of the work. The findings indicate that the creative process is not merely a reaction to external stimuli, but rather the outcome of a complex dialogue between the artist’s inner world and cultural, social, and material contexts. The article argues that recognizing inner art can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of human creativity, a redefinition of the role of subjectivity in art theory, and the development of innovative approaches to art education—approaches that emphasize the cultivation of inner awareness, imagination, and lived experience alongside the teaching of technical skills.