An Introduction to Fairbairn’s Psychology of Dynamic Structure

Acknowledgements About the author Foreword by Ross Clarke Introduction Part I: Introduction to Fairbairn's "psychology of dynamic structure" 1. Dynamic structure, psychic growth and mature dependence 2. Fairbairn and the social 3. Fairbairn and the aesthetic Part II: Applications 4. A painting by Bronzino: An Allegory with Venus and Cupid 5. A TV series by Dennis Potter: The Singing Detective 6. An animated film from Japan: Spirited Away 7. A science fiction film from the USA: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (EEAO) Part III: Envoi 8. Retrospect Conclusion References Index,

Acknowledgements

About the author
Foreword by Ross Clarke
Introduction

Part I: Introduction to Fairbairn’s “psychology of dynamic structure”
1. Dynamic structure, psychic growth and mature dependence
2. Fairbairn and the social
3. Fairbairn and the aesthetic

Part II: Applications
4. A painting by Bronzino: An Allegory with Venus and Cupid
5. A TV series by Dennis Potter: The Singing Detective
6. An animated film from Japan: Spirited Away
7. A science fiction film from the USA: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (EEAO)

Part III: Envoi
8. Retrospect

Conclusion
References
Index

• By (author) Graham S. Clarke

'This muscular, lucid, and accessible introduction to Fairbairnian object relations is a treasure trove of brilliant theoretical insights and creative provocations for those engaged in film and cultural studies and creative writing, as well as for a wider readership engaged in understanding contemporary cultural production and the human condition. Graham Clarke analyses a Renaissance masterpiece and three complex but hugely popular audiovisual artefacts from the last forty years from psychoanalytic, cultural, aesthetic, and political perspectives, and to thrilling effect. Who knew that a book on psychoanalytic theory could leave one wanting more?'

— Jonathan Hourigan, screenwriter and programme director, MA Screenwriting, University of Manchester

'Graham Clarke’s work offers a concise yet theoretically sophisticated examination of Fairbairn’s central tenets, illuminating their social and aesthetic dimensions. By placing Fairbairn’s ideas within a broader intellectual context, Clarke reveals the enduring resonance of his thought. This study exemplifies Clarke’s profound and sustained engagement with Fairbairn’s oeuvre, demonstrating not only scholarly rigour, but also a distinctive interpretive artistry. Indeed, Clarke emerges as a vital interlocutor in Fairbairn’s legacy – recovering, refining, and dynamically reanimating his theoretical contributions in a work that achieves the rare balance of intellectual depth and accessibility.'

— Dr Nini Kerr, Senior Lecturer, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh

'Graham Clarke has been a profound interpreter of Fairbairn’s multi-faceted work for decades. This rich, rigorous, and imaginative book carefully explains Fairbairn’s seminal theories and applies them to art, film, television, trauma, and dissociation. It deepens our understanding and appreciation of Fairbairn as a psychoanalytical thinker and aids the reader who has never encountered his work before as well as the specialist. An excellent foreword by Clarke’s son, Ross Clarke, frames and contextualises the book.'

— Valerie Sinason, PhD, MACP (retd), MInstpsychoanal, FISSTD, founder and now patron, Clinic for Dissociative Studies and president, Institute of Psychotherapy and Disability