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In The Deviant Majority (from Basaglia to Brazil), García addresses revolutionary reforms in psychiatry that grew out of the political upheaval of the late 1960s, inspired by perceived links between the negative effects of capitalism and poor mental wellbeing. In this mesmerizing piece of cinema we see radical ideas about mental health transformed into practical projects that achieve successful results for participants.

Through the depiction of three meetings with individuals who challenge the traditional methods used by the psychiatric institution, Garcia explores the potential of creative expression as therapy. The theatrical workshops allow participants (and practitioners) to revise the divisions between normality and abnormality, attempting to erase the prejudice and social exclusion associated with mental illness.

Courtesy of the artist, Galeria Civica di Trento, and Ex-Ospedale Psiquiatrico di Trieste

Artists