Editor’s comment

Viv Harte

This edition of Contexts showcases the Turin Summer School. There are numerous reflections from participants, the introduction to the event by Alice Mulasso and Marit Joffe Milstein who co-chaired the Summer School and the 4 main presentations. I have also included lovely photographs from the event. A good deal of work went into the preparations and I appreciate those from the GASi management committee and also those invited onto the organising committee for their commitment in making the event a great success.

My experience of attending both the Summer School and the in person Management Committee meeting was one of intensity, hurt, rejection, sadness and disappointment. Most of these emotions were stirred in me by comments and behaviours of some members of the management committee and the local organising committee. I witnessed a good deal of attack being directed at the GASi Co-Chairs, Francesca and Sanja, and a drive towards undermining the task of the MC; and certain groups whipping up negative views against the current MC and what it is holding for our society and attempting to do in getting GASi as an organisation into better shape. This left a bitter taste in my mouth against a back drop of also connecting and engaging with lovely individuals from all over the world. Some of our members, and non-members, seem intent on destroying the ethos of dialogue within group analysis in their attempt to keep a western colonialist tradition in place thus denying a truly inclusive and international organisation. There were attempts by those who support GASi and the work of the current MC to have open dialogue however challenging it might be under the circumstances. It often felt like the task of bearing our hate and staying (Pat de Mare) was impossible. Perhaps it is impossible in the midst of war and fear of annihilation.

In my dream people were metamorphosing into snakes. They came towards the group I was in, their jaws dripping venom. There are many snakes, hoping to poison change.

Eric Church The snake

https://youtu.be/4VeRO2eE1iU?feature=shared

Deva Mahal: Snakes

https://youtu.be/JVIKJwMtRco?feature=shared

Portrait of Viv Harte by Nick Sarra, Turin 2024