creative writing school
Module 4: Unknown & Unexpected
Welcome to our online creative writing course delving into the captivating realms of madness and unreason. Here, we will embark on an odyssey into the intricate depths of the human psyche, where the boundaries of logic blur and the dance of reason with irrationality unfolds. Throughout history, the enigmatic nature of madness and unreason has beckoned to writers and artists, offering fertile soil for exploration and revelation. From the surreal landscapes of dreams to the haunting echoes of fractured minds, we will traverse a rich tapestry of experiences that defy conventional comprehension.
In this course, we will employ a unique approach, blending a visualization exercise with the genre of the travel diary. Through an immersive journey into the parallel world of madness and unreason, we will challenge ourselves to embrace the unconventional, to break free from the confines of reality, and to unlock the boundless reservoir of creativity that resides within each of us. Together, we will navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the mind, turning obstacles into gateways to new realms of possibility.
Join us on this voyage of self-discovery and artistic exploration, where madness and unreason are not barriers to be feared, but portals to infinite potential.
In this course, we will employ a unique approach, blending a visualization exercise with the genre of the travel diary. Through an immersive journey into the parallel world of madness and unreason, we will challenge ourselves to embrace the unconventional, to break free from the confines of reality, and to unlock the boundless reservoir of creativity that resides within each of us. Together, we will navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the mind, turning obstacles into gateways to new realms of possibility.
Join us on this voyage of self-discovery and artistic exploration, where madness and unreason are not barriers to be feared, but portals to infinite potential.
inspirations
Michel Foucault (1926-1984) explored the concepts of madness and unreason extensively in his works, particularly in his seminal book "Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason" (1961). In this text, Foucault traced the historical development of Western society's attitudes towards madness from the Middle Ages to the modern era. He argued that madness was not a static or absolute category but rather a socially constructed phenomenon that varied across different historical periods.
Foucault proposed that the treatment of madness was intimately tied to broader cultural, political, and philosophical shifts. He critiqued the idea that madness was simply a medical problem to be treated within the confines of psychiatric institutions, arguing instead that it was a complex social phenomenon shaped by power dynamics and societal norms.
Furthermore, Foucault explored the notion of "unreason" as a counterpoint to rationality, suggesting that what was considered "madness" often represented a challenge to prevailing systems of knowledge and authority. He contended that the marginalization and confinement of the mad served to reinforce dominant power structures and suppress alternative modes of thought and expression.
Overall, Foucault's analysis of madness and unreason shed light on the ways in which societal norms and power relations shape our understanding of mental illness and influence the treatment of those deemed "mad" or "irrational." His work continues to be influential in fields such as psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, prompting critical reflection on the nature of sanity, madness, and the boundaries of reason.
Foucault proposed that the treatment of madness was intimately tied to broader cultural, political, and philosophical shifts. He critiqued the idea that madness was simply a medical problem to be treated within the confines of psychiatric institutions, arguing instead that it was a complex social phenomenon shaped by power dynamics and societal norms.
Furthermore, Foucault explored the notion of "unreason" as a counterpoint to rationality, suggesting that what was considered "madness" often represented a challenge to prevailing systems of knowledge and authority. He contended that the marginalization and confinement of the mad served to reinforce dominant power structures and suppress alternative modes of thought and expression.
Overall, Foucault's analysis of madness and unreason shed light on the ways in which societal norms and power relations shape our understanding of mental illness and influence the treatment of those deemed "mad" or "irrational." His work continues to be influential in fields such as psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, prompting critical reflection on the nature of sanity, madness, and the boundaries of reason.
Valeska Gert (1892-1978) was a German dancer, actress, and cabaret artist known for her avant-garde performances that often explored themes of madness, absurdity, and unreason. She was a pioneering figure in the expressionist and Dadaist movements of the early 20th century, using her art to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of conventional performance.
Gert's work often featured unconventional movements, grotesque facial expressions, and surreal imagery, all of which contributed to a sense of disorientation and unpredictability. Her performances were characterized by their raw emotionality and unapologetic exploration of taboo subjects, including mental illness and social oppression.
Through her bold and confrontational approach to performance, Gert embodied the chaotic and irrational aspects of human existence, inviting audiences to confront their own fears and anxieties about madness and unreason. Her work continues to inspire contemporary artists and thinkers to question the limits of sanity and explore the depths of the human psyche.
Gert's work often featured unconventional movements, grotesque facial expressions, and surreal imagery, all of which contributed to a sense of disorientation and unpredictability. Her performances were characterized by their raw emotionality and unapologetic exploration of taboo subjects, including mental illness and social oppression.
Through her bold and confrontational approach to performance, Gert embodied the chaotic and irrational aspects of human existence, inviting audiences to confront their own fears and anxieties about madness and unreason. Her work continues to inspire contemporary artists and thinkers to question the limits of sanity and explore the depths of the human psyche.
creative exercises
I. EXERCISE OF VISUALIZATION
1. Find a comfortable and quiet space where you can engage in visualization, introspection and creative expression. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, allowing yourself to relax and let go of any preconceived notions of logic and rationality.
2. Imagine yourself standing at the edge of a vast abyss, symbolizing the unknown depths of madness and unreason. Feel the pull of curiosity and intrigue drawing you towards the abyss, inviting you to explore its mysteries.
3. As you peer into the abyss, allow your mind to wander freely, relinquishing control and surrendering to the chaos of the unknown. Embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity that lies beyond the bounds of reason, welcoming the opportunity for creative exploration.
4. Begin to deconstruct the constructs of logic and rationality that have confined your thinking, allowing your imagination to run wild and unfettered. Write, draw, or engage in any form of creative expression that captures the essence of madness and unreason, challenging conventional notions of reality.
5. Explore the contradictions and paradoxes that emerge as you delve deeper into the realm of madness and unreason. Embrace the inherent chaos and complexity of the human psyche, allowing yourself to traverse the murky waters of irrationality with courage and curiosity.
6. As you navigate through the labyrinth of your own mind, encounter the fragments of thought and emotion that defy rational explanation. Embrace these fragments as windows into the hidden recesses of the human experience, where madness and unreason hold sway over logic and order.
7. Allow yourself to become fully immersed in the creative process, surrendering to the whims of inspiration and intuition. Let go of the need for structure and coherence, embracing the inherent messiness of creativity as you explore the depths of madness and unreason.
8. Reflect on your journey and the insights you have gained about the nature of madness and unreason. Consider how these insights challenge your understanding of reality and open new pathways for exploration and discovery.
II. CREATIVE WRITING
Title: "Journey into the Parallel World: A Travel Diary of Madness and Unreason"
Instructions:
1. Begin by imagining yourself standing on the edge of a vast, otherworldly landscape, where the boundaries between logic and irrationality blur. Take a moment to observe the scenery from a macro perspective, noting the surreal and dreamlike qualities of the environment.
2. As you embark on your journey, start writing your travel diary entry, describing the landscape in vivid detail. Use sensory language to capture the sights, sounds, and sensations of this parallel world, allowing your imagination to roam freely.
3. Slowly zoom in on specific elements of the landscape, focusing on the details that catch your attention. Notice how the familiar becomes distorted and abstract as you get closer, with shapes morphing and colors blending together in unexpected ways.
4. As you continue to zoom in, allow your descriptions to become more abstract and surreal, reflecting the disorienting nature of madness and unreason. Explore the boundaries between reality and illusion, reason and chaos, as you delve deeper into this strange and enigmatic realm.
5. Embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity of the journey, allowing yourself to surrender to the unpredictable twists and turns of the landscape. Write freely and intuitively, following the flow of your thoughts and emotions as they guide you through this surreal landscape.
6. As you reach the micro level of the landscape, notice how the concrete details dissolve into abstraction, leaving you immersed in a world of pure sensation and emotion. Allow yourself to experience the full intensity of this moment, capturing it in your writing with raw honesty and vulnerability.
7. Reflect on your journey and the insights you have gained about madness and unreason. Consider how the experience has challenged your perceptions of reality and expanded your understanding of the human mind. Write a closing passage that captures the essence of your journey and expresses your newfound appreciation for the complexities of the world around you.
1. Find a comfortable and quiet space where you can engage in visualization, introspection and creative expression. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, allowing yourself to relax and let go of any preconceived notions of logic and rationality.
2. Imagine yourself standing at the edge of a vast abyss, symbolizing the unknown depths of madness and unreason. Feel the pull of curiosity and intrigue drawing you towards the abyss, inviting you to explore its mysteries.
3. As you peer into the abyss, allow your mind to wander freely, relinquishing control and surrendering to the chaos of the unknown. Embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity that lies beyond the bounds of reason, welcoming the opportunity for creative exploration.
4. Begin to deconstruct the constructs of logic and rationality that have confined your thinking, allowing your imagination to run wild and unfettered. Write, draw, or engage in any form of creative expression that captures the essence of madness and unreason, challenging conventional notions of reality.
5. Explore the contradictions and paradoxes that emerge as you delve deeper into the realm of madness and unreason. Embrace the inherent chaos and complexity of the human psyche, allowing yourself to traverse the murky waters of irrationality with courage and curiosity.
6. As you navigate through the labyrinth of your own mind, encounter the fragments of thought and emotion that defy rational explanation. Embrace these fragments as windows into the hidden recesses of the human experience, where madness and unreason hold sway over logic and order.
7. Allow yourself to become fully immersed in the creative process, surrendering to the whims of inspiration and intuition. Let go of the need for structure and coherence, embracing the inherent messiness of creativity as you explore the depths of madness and unreason.
8. Reflect on your journey and the insights you have gained about the nature of madness and unreason. Consider how these insights challenge your understanding of reality and open new pathways for exploration and discovery.
II. CREATIVE WRITING
Title: "Journey into the Parallel World: A Travel Diary of Madness and Unreason"
Instructions:
1. Begin by imagining yourself standing on the edge of a vast, otherworldly landscape, where the boundaries between logic and irrationality blur. Take a moment to observe the scenery from a macro perspective, noting the surreal and dreamlike qualities of the environment.
2. As you embark on your journey, start writing your travel diary entry, describing the landscape in vivid detail. Use sensory language to capture the sights, sounds, and sensations of this parallel world, allowing your imagination to roam freely.
3. Slowly zoom in on specific elements of the landscape, focusing on the details that catch your attention. Notice how the familiar becomes distorted and abstract as you get closer, with shapes morphing and colors blending together in unexpected ways.
4. As you continue to zoom in, allow your descriptions to become more abstract and surreal, reflecting the disorienting nature of madness and unreason. Explore the boundaries between reality and illusion, reason and chaos, as you delve deeper into this strange and enigmatic realm.
5. Embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity of the journey, allowing yourself to surrender to the unpredictable twists and turns of the landscape. Write freely and intuitively, following the flow of your thoughts and emotions as they guide you through this surreal landscape.
6. As you reach the micro level of the landscape, notice how the concrete details dissolve into abstraction, leaving you immersed in a world of pure sensation and emotion. Allow yourself to experience the full intensity of this moment, capturing it in your writing with raw honesty and vulnerability.
7. Reflect on your journey and the insights you have gained about madness and unreason. Consider how the experience has challenged your perceptions of reality and expanded your understanding of the human mind. Write a closing passage that captures the essence of your journey and expresses your newfound appreciation for the complexities of the world around you.
stay motivated!
As we draw to a close on our exploration of madness and unreason, take a moment to center yourself in the stillness of this present moment. In the vast expanse of creative exploration, we've journeyed through the labyrinthine corridors of the mind, navigating the complexities of human experience with courage and curiosity. Now, as we gently return to the realm of the familiar, let go of any lingering tensions or uncertainties. Embrace the tranquility that comes from delving into the depths of imagination, knowing that within you lies an endless wellspring of creativity and insight. Take a deep breath, allowing the calm to wash over you like a gentle breeze, grounding you in the serenity of the here and now. Carry this sense of peace with you as you continue on your creative journey, knowing that you are capable, resilient, and infinitely creative. Until we meet again, may your path be illuminated by the light of inspiration, and may your heart be filled with the joy of self-discovery.
Photo: Valeska Gert in Rio (1939)