Wita Szulc (1941–2021): The Outline of a Scientific Biography
Wita Szulc (1941–2021): The Outline of a Scientific Biography

Summary/Abstract: This article includes the reconstruction of a scientific biography ofProfessor Wita Szulc, which is intended to make contemporary researchersfamiliar with the modern history of education. Also, it caninform teachers—both theoreticians and practitioners (especiallythose who practice therapeutic forms that employ art, i.e. thosewho wish to use art as a therapeutic tool)—about the achievementsof a unique scholar who was one of the pioneers of art therapy inPoland and who created the scientific foundations and paved theway for the institutionalized development of the subdiscipline andthe specialisation of studies. In her life’s work, we can easily distinguisha continuous development of her knowledge and qualifications,and a patient scholarly reflection on culture and art in the areas ofhealth promotion, education and upbringing. Not only did ProfessorSzulc carry out numerous studies on the history and methodology ofart therapy, but she was also involved in the scientific promotion ofthe new generations of researchers and in the preparation of education alstandards for future art therapists. Other important activitiesof her life include working for the integration and consolidation ofPolish art therapy circles and bringing art therapy to the wider internationalscientific arena. Thus, the story of her life enables us toperceive Wita Szulc as a person who was truly and unconditionallycommitted to her mission of a pedagogue, scientist, organizer and manager of scientific life. The sources used to write this article mainlyinclude the professor’s published texts and autobiographical materials,as well as the sparse discussions and essays concerning her activity thatare available in the books on the subject.

• Details
• Contents