The essence of artistic genius has captivated human imagination for centuries, yet its elusive nature encompasses various historical, philosophical, and societal dimensions. This project seeks to understand the dynamics surrounding the concept of artistic genius, exploring its intersections with gender, suffering, and societal perceptions. Drawing upon interdisciplinary perspectives from cultural studies, feminist theory, psychology, and aesthetics, the study challenges the romanticized archetype of the tortured genius while examining how art serves as both a reflection and a catalyst of societal change. The investigation scrutinizes the relationship between an artist's experience of suffering and creative output, challenging entrenched norms and amplifying marginalized voices within the art world. The project uses textual, critical theory, and case study analysis to navigate historical trajectories and philosophical implications, shedding light on the complexities surrounding artistic genius.
The Handbook of Genius
Workspace. Objects. Symptoms
Workspace: a sanctuary and a battleground for artistic pursuits.
The cluttered desk, strewn with crumpled sketches and half-finished manuscripts, mirrors the tumultuous landscape of their mind. Walls adorned with splashes of colour or haunting imagery reflect the depths of the emotional turmoil. In this space, addiction becomes both muse and monster, fueling creativity while ensnaring the soul in its grip. Obsession drives relentless exploration, pushing the boundaries of artistry to the brink of madness. Yet, amidst the chaos, existential angst permeates every stroke of the brush or stroke of the pen, as the artist grapples with the futility of existence and the search for meaning. In the solitude of their studio, isolated from the world yet deeply connected to the universal human experience, the tortured artist finds solace in the creative
Objects
The Cluttered Desk
Obsession Indicators
Personal Artifacts
Symptoms
