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Deepening Ex 1 NYU
Deepening Ex 1 NYU
Beth Kurkjian
6 September 2015
Noël Carroll’s ingenious analysis of Yasmina Reza’s play, Art, accentuates the
idea that art is not just some viable presence we stare at with a critic’s eye in attempt to
judge an expression of emotion. “Art and Friendship” adds a personal take on art and
how it affects typical relationships, explaining how the simple difference of taste can tear
a friendship apart. For one, he “sees something in the painting”, whereas his friend
claims, “it’s blank, it’s empty, it’s nothing, it’s worthless.” (28)
From this analysis of a fallen friendship sprouts and interesting idea, the idea that
we find ourselves in others. Carroll introduces the idea that friendship “is a lotus of
intimacy. Sharing taste and sharing our lives…typically go hand and hand” (30) When
identified with another being, a palate conflict should, in theory, be impossible. The
controversy causes an aversion to one’s other self.The two friends described from Reza’s
Art dispute not only over an art piece, but also over who they identify to be. Marcus does
not view himself as the type to appreciate the abstract, and because friends can be seen as
a reflection of oneself, when his “reflection” Serge disagrees, Marcus looses view of who
he is. Marcus and Serge no longer view themselves as “people of equal virtue and
excellence.” (28) Carroll’s statement aids in the idea of impossible perfection. No two
people are alike in all aspects, and one should search their inner-self before engaging in a
second half. Once one has enough confidence in one’s identity, then they are free to find
a carbon copy, or an opposing creative mind. The beauty of art is that it causes depth in a
friendship and causes changes in perspective. Even now, from one single thought, a flood