Theoretical foundations
Expressive arts, salutogenesis and conflict transformation in conversation.
Expressive arts
An intermodal approach moves among artistic forms and attends to aesthetic experience, imaginative possibility and meaning. Painting may connect with music, movement, storytelling or other forms of expression.
Salutogenesis
The inquiry focuses on resources that support health and coherence rather than only on the origins of illness. The dissertation connects meaningful creative engagement with the recognition and mobilization of such resources.
Conflict transformation
The theoretical perspective looks beyond an isolated resolution to changing relationships, narratives and social conditions. Artistic processes can provide a setting in which those relationships are explored.
Agency, belonging and aesthetic experience
The research considers how community authorship, shared symbolism, witnessing and collective memory may support a sense of agency and connection. These are contextual qualitative themes, not guaranteed outcomes.
Source: Benjamin J. Swatez, Artegenesis Phenomenon, European Graduate School of Expressive Arts, March 31, 2026. Editorial introduction based on the supplied dissertation and updated CV.