The Myth of the Eccentric Genius: Some Thoughts about Political Correctness and Art Education

Talented Young Artists: Understanding Their Abilities and Needs

“…Unfortunately, self-concept often goes unsupported in regular school programs (Gallagher, 2003), leaving young artists to deal with cultural stereotypes that are based on both fact and fiction. Because art historians and art educators often have emphasized the peculiar characteristics of successful artists, the stereotype exists equating artistic genius with mental illness (Rush, 1995). The notion that mental illness is an important aspect of being an artist, and that the illness makes one a better artist, may affect One fundamental step in supporting artistically talented students is to help build self-confidence in their own intelligence and habits of mind.…”

“…students. This myth of the eccentric genius is responsible for much of the public ambivalence about art and artists and can have a negative effect on talent development (Rush, 1995). Noting the true lack of funding for art programs and limited prospects for earning potential of artists (Csikszentmihalyi et.…”

“…Winner (1996) argued that the abilities demonstrated by young visual and performing artists are unrelated to the skills that are measured on intelligence tests. Nevertheless, this finding may be even more important because of the negative stereotype that equates artistic genius with neurosis (Rush, 1995) and the common view that achieve-ments of young artists are not seen as reflective of intellectual ability (Clark & Zimmerman, 1998).…”