Presentation Information
[SY-81-03]MIGRATION AND PSYCHOSIS THROUGH ART: A CASE STUDY OF MARTIN RAMIREZ
*Sergio Armando Covarrubias-Castillo1 (1. University of Guadalajara / Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Fray Antonio Alcalde" (Mexico))
Keywords:
psychosis,migration,art
Migration has been extensively studied as a complex sociocultural process that has become associated with a well-known risk factor for psychopathological conditions, such as psychotic disorders. Simultaneously, there have been relatively frequent observations of intriguing cases in which psychopathological symptoms coexist with marked traits of creativity and a tendency toward artistic expression. A fascinating case where these variables intervene is that of the Mexican painter Martin Ramirez. After migrating from Western Mexico to the United States of America, he began to develop typical symptoms of a primary psychotic disorder. It is estimated that he spent approximately 30 years at a mental health facility in California, reportedly in a catatonic state (apparently without uttering a single word), yet expressing himself through unique artistic paintings and drawings in materials found within the institution where he was confined. This case serves as a basis for addressing topics related to the psycho-socio-cultural interplay of migration and psychosis.