Fulfilment

Arno Stern created the Closlieu seventy years ago. There, because one’s expression arises freely, pure from any influences that could affect and diminish it, Arno Stern discovered Formulation and was able to study it in all its originality. He has then furthered his research work through stays with indigenous peoples of the desert and rainforest, at a time (1960s-70s) when formal education had not touched them yet, and having chosen tribes who had never drawn anything. These experiments have enabled him to show the universal nature of Formulation.

The attention paid to the mechanisms of Formulation rules out any curiosity for its content. Understanding its function is a scientific approach and it is completely different from drawings’ interpretation.

Knowing what Formulation is guards against astonishment, intrusiveness, interpretation and appropriation. The Play-Of-Painting Servant acquires a respectful attitude toward the person and the person’s Trace.

Painting in the Closlieu is not a therapy; but it does prevent the need for therapy, in the sense that it stimulates everyone’s capacity for self-empowerment. It boosts precisely all the natural abilities that have been stifled by culture, and it makes each being, whenever he or she begins to engage in Formulation, a more accomplished person.