Madness-Art-Surrealism and Valerie Solanas

Abstract

Based upon various anti-psychiatric and surrealist categories, an analysis has been made of the psychiatric institution as a coercive apparatus that positions, sometimes, people living with mental illnesses and artists in a negative space. This situation makes it more difficult for the artist to develop their existence and restricts their expression. Madness and the artist’s existential space, whether surrealist or not, have been understood here as an alternative and legitimate response (not pathologized or pathologizing) to capitalist mandates and restrictions and, especially, to the dominant rationalism’s empire. Likewise, as an example and criticism of the above, Valerie Solanas’ controversial story has been studied broadly. As a woman, Valerie experienced the harmful effects of the dominant socio-political, economic, cultural, and patriarchal-based system. She lived vividly the social contempt towards madness and the lives of those who dedicate themselves to art.