Tzar cloudy Ivan in thepsychiatric chambers
The article describes a clinical case of patient P., 43 years old, a political activist who conducted extravagant performances in the image of the Tsar, who called for a return to monarchical rule and, in connection with this, was hospitalized involuntarily in a psychiatric hospital. A comparative analysis with the actions of Pyotr Pavlenky and Pavel Krysevich is carried out, the contribution of the psychopathological to the creative activity of representatives of contemporary art is estimated. The validity of the psychiatric diagnoses exposed to patient P., the recognition of his social danger and the validity of the appointment of compulsory inpatient treatment to him are evaluated. It is concluded that freak behavior, presenting itself through actionism, performances and dissent, needs a serious psychological and psychopathological analysis. Often, such dissent becomes a way of self-realization or provocation (trolling), but psychopathology is also capable of hiding behind it. It is stated that this should in no way diminish the social significance and the creative component of the performances and actions of people considered to be freaks. In addition, it is argued that actionism should not be perceived as a socially dangerous act, and there is no reason to imprison a person or send a patient to a psychiatric hospital for compulsory treatment for performances.