The Tortured Artist Trope: Myths and Realities of Creativity and Mental Illness
Sam Kissajukian, a celebrated visual artist and comedian, challenges and reinforces the myth of the tortured artist in his acclaimed show, 300 Paintings, through humorous self-reflection. His journey into visual arts began during a manic episode lasting six months, which led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder that heavily influences his work. Studies indicate that bipolar disorder is prevalent among visual artists, poets, and musicians, while depression is more frequently seen in writers and artists. Neuroimaging studies show enhanced connectivity between the executive control network and the default mode network in both highly creative individuals and those with bipolar disorder. Kissajukian notes that his cognitive filtering can lead to numerous misinterpretations of reality, suggesting that the tortured artist stereotype may arise from a clash between creative and conventional thought, rather than creativity being the source of suffering.
Key facts
- Sam Kissajukian is an award-winning visual artist and comedian.
- His show 300 Paintings combines art and narrative to subvert and reinforce the myth of the tortured artist.
- Kissajukian's visual art began during a six-month manic period, leading to a bipolar disorder diagnosis.
- Bipolar disorder is significantly overrepresented among visual artists, poets, and musicians.
- Depression is more common among writers and artists.
- Neuroimaging shows increased connectivity between executive control network and default mode network in highly creative thinkers and people with bipolar disorder.
- Eminent creative achievers are seven times more likely to have low latent inhibition scores.
- Low latent inhibition is also observed in people with ADHD and those prone to psychosis.
Entities
Artists
- Sam Kissajukian
- Vincent van Gogh
Institutions
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
- Lifeline
- Beyond Blue
- MindSpot
- Medicare Mental Health
- SANE Australia
Locations
- Australia