Why are the most celebrated creative geniuses in history considered mentally ill?

“Name one genius that isn’t crazy” – Kanye West. Is he a genius? Yes, for creating buzz, getting people to talk about him, and using controversies to his advantage. He masters the art of creating outrageous moments, which he capitalizes on every time. Recently, he was trending for being Kanye and doing exactly what he does best. Making everything all about him. 

It is often said that an artist’s creativity comes with mental illness.

It is difficult to separate an artist’s work from his or her personal life. Because it’s all intertwined. And their personal lives influenced their art. For example, Vincent Van Gogh suffered from anxiety and depression. Several of his well-known pieces were created while confined to an asylum. 

His art was his therapy, as it reflected his struggle and state of mind. I wouldn’t say this is the case for Kanye. With every project comes a new controversy. What better way to pique everyone’s interest and get people talking? Shoot! Here I’m talking about Kanye. Mission accomplished. A friend suggested that I draw a portrait of him.

Timing is everything.

Let’s not forget back in 2007, it was Kanye vs 50 Cent who would sell more albums. He confidently challenged 50 Cent, and he won because he created all the hype. Who can ever forget when he claimed that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” during NBC’s Hurricane Katrina Relief concert or, his “Imma Let You Finish… “I’m sorry, but Beyoncé had one of the most iconic videos of all time!” He later quoted in his song “Famous,” from the album The Life of Pablo, “I made that bitch famous.” He switched from Kanye for Donald Trump- Make America great again to “I am running for President of the United States! #2020VISION.” 

Most people blame his outbursts on his mental state, and his mother’s death; especially when he disclosed that he and Kim Kardashian considered aborting their first child. He did questionable things during the divorce, and all his new songs attack Pete Davidson. 

“Ye” (as he now calls himself) might be ‘The College Dropout’ who was “Late to Registration,” but he made it to “Graduation” with a distinction in marketing 101.  

I’d love to hear what you think! Do you believe creative geniuses often suffer from mental illnesses?