Art becomes means of social integration

The noteworthy exhibition ‘Art, Genius and Madness’ hosts various works created by patients of the psychiatric hospital San Niccolò in Siena including noteworthy ceramic works by Paris Morgiani. These small works depict scenes of every-life in the psychiatric hospital, such as ‘The Bank’ and ‘The Photographer’. Other works, like ‘Electroshock’ and ‘Containment and catheterization’ refer to the treatments to which the patients were frequently subjected. These dramatic aspects of everyday life are recounted with extraordinary efficiency and intensity by those who have lived through the experience.
This initiative was created thanks to the efforts of Dr. Francesca Vannozzi, a professor of the History of Medicine at the University of Siena. She worked extensively with a Coop called ‘Riuscita Sociale’. It was established in 1980 within the ex-psychiatric hospital in San Niccolò. It was founded with the purpose of providing patients with the chance to gather and socialize thanks to ceramic art. Even after the creation of the Basaglia Law, ‘Riuscita Sociale’ has continued to operate. Its goal is to give personal dignity to the disabled and disadvantaged as well as the chance to express themselves creatively.
‘Art, Genius, Madness’ was designed by Vittorio Sgarbi in collaboration with the Fondazione Antonio Mazzotta; it was promoted by the Municipality of Siena and Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena. Organizers include Vernice Progetti Culturali and the Museum complex of Santa Maria della Scala.