Luke Fowler: All Divided Selves

Overview

Counter-culture figure and controversial thinker, R.D. Laing, was notorious for challenging the pre-conceived notions of the causes of schizophrenia claiming the condition was a result of resistance socially prescribed identities.

Also eventually discredited, Laing was unique in his commitment to his ideas and willingness to embrace cultural notoriety to further the spread of his anarchic, anti-establishment thoughts.

Since his infamous book The Divided Self was published in 1960, Laing adapted to numerous mediums, increasing his exposure to the world. Television, theatre and music all helped Laing preach about reform and his anti-establishment ethos.

British artist Luke Fowler has compiled hours of footage into a documentary on Laing and his transition from psychiatrist to celebrity.

All Divided Selves will be screening at IMA until May, the exhibit will be launched alongside Gregory Crewdson's In a Lonely Place exhibition on Saturday, March 16.