Is the co-relation between Mental Illness and Artistic Creativity a myth?
Is madness necessary to bring out the creative genius from within an artist? Creativity and mental illness have been interlinked for decades, most masterpieces created as a result of the artist’s failing mental health. But the question that prevails is whether the art is a product of the illness and obsession, or are there other factors that ushered their minds to the brink of madness?
Weak Samples, Inconsistent Methodology and Vague Conclusions:
According to an article published in Scientific American, the notion of mental illness linked to creativity has been developed through ‘small, highly specialized samples with weak and inconsistent methodologies’. Most conclusions have been derived from their biographies, letters and correspondences and by drawing a Byzantine correlation between their state of upbringing and the themes explored in their work of art. Psychosis induced art, when analyzed, can look unspecific and distorted, whereas eminent artists, diagnosed (majorly by critics) with one or the other form of mental illness have shown highly specialized, well-groomed and precise artistic expression in their work.
It has been acknowledged that certain creations such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet or Monet’s Springtime are a result of a trauma, giving it the brilliance and finesse that comes from experiencing a kind of suffering. Van Gogh’s famous quote, “I put my heart and soul into my work, and lost my mind in the process”, might have been a reason for romanticizing mental illness. But in the process, we forget that each human being is capable of suffering from one or the other form of mental illness. A positive mood helps in better productivity and that applies to everything in this universe.
Alternate views to this theory:
There are alternate views to this theory too. Associate professor of Psychiatry, Gail Saltz stated that ‘wavering attention and day-dreaming like state’ of ADHD helps facilitate original thinking. The bipolar disorder produces extreme emotions and mania that helps create intense content, lapped up by art enthusiasts. Schizotypy or a mild form of Schizophrenia makes people believe in eccentric theories and unorthodox theories, which is later reflected in the art form they produce.
If we look at it from a broad-gauge perspective, working as an artist has certain shortcomings:
- Creative Block
- Irregularity in income and work assignments
- High pressure, associated with deadlines for various commissions
- Lack of inspiration
- Criticism and Social Stigma
But it can be argued that these are common to any profession and cannot be related to artists only.
Social stigma & Self-doubts:
Stigma through centuries has conditioned people to this that ‘madness’ is the only way to become a legend, forcing artists to try out methods to induce euphoria or depression. Artists are also known to alter their sleep cycle if it favours greater creativity and better ideas. While a lot of artists have succeeded, most succumb to their disoriented lifestyle because there is no hard and fast rule to becoming a pioneer. Artists might also suffer from ‘Imposter Syndrome’, a belief that one’s success is more inclined towards luck rather than hard work. This is attributed to the thought process that supposedly bridges the gap between expectation and reality in one’s professional life, often wide enough for people with such a syndrome.
The debate continues to this day, but it’s essential to note that motivation and positivity influence people to do better. All human beings are equally susceptible to mental illness due to motley reasons and the stigma needs to be repudiated. Myth or not, artists should be appreciated for the work they produce, irrespective of their mental state.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, get help. Reach out to NGOs providing free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations.
By
Mridula Gupta
