You have likely heard of the concept of the “tortured artist” before. This stereotype of the artist, musician or writer is infamous for its portrayal of their mental health struggles or addictions. 

This fuels a belief in many that some level of suffering is not only warranted, but necessary to achieve artistic success.

This inner turmoil is often written off by many who view it as simply part of what makes a particular artist great. Their problems are not seen as something to fix because that is what allows them to produce the art. 

This attitude causes fans to overlook their obvious cries for help and clear signs of unwellness as long as their art remains great. 

It’s only after these artists have driven themselves into an early grave or completely lost themselves that we notice the signs that were present all along. 

We remain blissfully ignorant in the enjoyment of their art and add their names to the long list of artists gone too soon. 

One of the most well known examples of the tortured artist is Vincent Van Gogh, who suffered from manic depression and self mutilation and eventually committed suicide at just 37-years-old. 

Van Gogh was prone to psychotic episodes that kept him locked out of his own studio. His most famous piece “Starry Night” was completed while he was undergoing treatment at the Saint-Paul Asylum. 

Shortly before his suicide, he wrote: “If I could have worked without this accursed disease, what things I might have done”. 

A more modern example is Kurt Cobain, who suffered from chronic stomach pain that fueled his heroin addiction. 

This fact is often forgotten by the masses, who instead hear the romanticized revision of a tortured genius writing massive hits in the midst of an opioid high. 

Cobain would eventually commit suicide at 27-years-old, becoming a member of the now famous “27 Club” which is filled with artists who suffered untimely deaths at 27. 

This club has become well known in pop culture and is still used prominently to further the trope of the tortured artist that persists today. 

The glorification of these types of people and their struggles in the name of art is extremely unhealthy, both for the artists and their fanbases. 

The belief that artists need to have an air of danger or an edge around them in order to stand out is a dangerous precedent that has resulted because of this. 

This is not an intentional callousness by society, but rather a cultural norm that has been established over time. 

The belief that some artists are just troubled people and art acts as their outlet to make sense of the world is widely known and accepted. 

We can hear songs and read stories that clearly outline troubles that the creator is going through, but it is only with the context of their early death that they become crystal clear. 

We can know that artists have addictions, but it is only when they overdose that we realize just how real their struggles were. 

The glorification of tortured artists comes from the objective truth that they are responsible for truly magnificent works of art. 

Van Gogh is one the very best painters to ever live and Kurt Cobain was the voice of a generation. 

By glorifying tortured artists, we glorify mental illness and remain indifferent to the reality of suffering in the name of artistic creativity.

This presents a dangerous precedent for new artists to follow by enabling the darkness within them in an attempt to create incredible work. 

By recognizing the problems with praising tortured artists and not romanticizing the struggles they go through, we can focus on true creativity and enjoy the art that artists working at their best are able to produce. 

If we continue to be mindful of this reality, we can ensure the message is sent that you do not need to suffer to be a star. But of course, that’s just one man’s opinion. 

Categories: Opinion