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Braylee Polson

Scott Koterbey

UHON 1218-201

Oct 6, 2017

Existentialism: In Art and Life

Existentialism is belief in extreme freewill (allaboutphilisophy.org). Existentialists

believe that humans have no destiny, or purpose, so they are free to choose their own meaning

and path in life. Existentialism exists in many forms of art, including theatre, and should

resonate deeply with an artist. Existentialism is about choices; it is about how these choices

shape lives. With the absence on a purpose, life is determined by choices and guided by past

experience. Our art reflects that.

Existentialism comes from a school of thinking called Absurdity. Absurdity focuses on

the thought that nothing in life matters or has any value. They believe there is literally no point to

life, so there is no reason not to end your own life. It arose in a time of new understanding; the

Christian Church had dominated thinking up until this point. Christians believe that there is a

larger purpose and a reason for each existence in the universe. They believe that a person's soul,

what some philosophers would call essence, determines their path and actions in life. Absurdists

challenge that by asserting that nothing has meaning.

Existentialists also challenge the thought of essence before existence. They claim one

must find meaning in their life; they give the example of Sisyphus, a Greek Titan, rolling a

boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down as soon as he reaches the top for all of eternity.

They state that Sisyphus is the perfect example of human life, utterly pointless. Existentialists

counter with the thought that every person is meant to create their own meaning. In fact, Camus
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liked to imagine Sisyphus as smiling because he accepts that his task is pointless (PHILISOPHY-

Albert Camus). Camus does this to remind that life can be enjoyed without meaning. For

example, in The Stranger, Meursault does not despise his existence; he simply finds in purpose

or need for conscious. He still appreciated aspects of his life. Camus writes, "I felt good," to

show that life does not have to be a somber affair (The Stranger 26). It can be enjoyed and

experienced fully with the understanding that none of it truly matters; this school of thought is

helpful in many ways.

Camus argues there are seven paths that a person can take once they realize there is not

meaning in life. The first path is short. One could kill themselves. This illuminates the need for

decision making altogether. The second is distraction; food, drinks, and sex can provide pleasure,

enough pleasure to keep from thinking about the meaningless life surrounding them. The next

strategy is to ignore Existentialism and embrace Religion to create meaning. The fourth way is to

become an actor and pretend to be other people finding meaning in life. The fifth way is to

become a different kind of artist, like a painter or a writer. Painters and writers can create their

own worlds to fulfill their need. Camus's sixth way to deal with no meaning in life is to become a

politician who creates meaning in their life in the competition of office. The final method is

acceptance of the great Absurd. Camus recommended this his final method, and he called it a

rebellion against the universe, to live life in complete joy and know that there is no meaning

( The Myth of Sisyphus).

Artists have taken this seriously throughout the years. Waiting for Godot, written by

Samuel Becket created a movement in theatre. The play shows how people can deal with their

worthless lives. In the play Vladimir and Estragon are in a place that seems to be neverendingly

meaningless and quite repetitive waiting for a man named Godot. Godot never shows up yet the
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two men continue to wait for Godot even though he never appears. They go through each of

Camus's seven possibilities of living without meaning. They discuss sexual pleasure, food, and

making themselves more comfortable with their shoes. Vladimir considers some religious ideas

at various points in the show, but finds not satisfaction. The acting element is fulfilled when

Lucky gives his long and dramatic monologue. Vladimir also tries singing as a representation of

other types of artists. Pozzo feels that political aspect by owning Lucky as a slave; his power

over Lucky seems to give his life meaning (“Waiting for Godot” Explained by Philosophy).

They loved the ideas and the feeling in Waiting for Godot; they wanted more, so more writers

starting writing in this style and their works are grouped together in what is called The Theatre of

The Absurd.

Many other artists have used this theme in their visual art as well. Artists like Jean-Paul

Mallozzi have existential elements in their pieces. They implore their viewers to consider their

identity and the way it interacts with the world around them. Jean-Paul Mallozzi paints an

ethereal work of art, entitled “Broadway & Prince”, where black human figure walk through

and past each other, their heads a mass of different colors. This painting causes viewers to

ponder on their relationship with themselves and the people around them. Mallozzi uses random

strokes to show that there is no order in the mind of a person. Another painting by Mallozzi

called “Goomba”; In this painting a man is depicted. His skin is many shades of blue and his

face is almost too blurred to see. Mallozzi creates a bland scene around him with a few limbs of a

tree and nothing else but negative space. He does this to show the meaninglessness of surrounds

and self. Neither surrounds or self are ever truly in focus or truly valuable. Art is not the only

place Artists use Existential practices.

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Decision making a challenging for a huge population of people. They cannot make

choice, but with a belief in existentialism the weight of decisions becomes so very much smaller

than they were before. Once decisions are smaller they are easier to make. People often ask,

"Why does it matter?", "So what?", and often, "And?". Under the Existential thought process the

simple answer would be, they do not matter. There are no true ramifications to anyone's actions,

so decisions should be based entirely on personal profit. Many Artists need this thought process

to survive in a world that lives to critique their art.

Existentialism a powerful statement, and is left entirely for the reader to interpret. It can

be used as a seasonal tool, and it can be used as a belief system. When used to its full potential,

the belief that nothing matters can bring meaning to a person's life. Many great philosophers

have devoted their life to this belief arguing passionately and adamantly that nothing matters.

They devoted years to research and developed replies to other philosophers, and yet it does not

matter.
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Works Cited

"All About Existentialism." All About Philosophy, Oct 10. 2017,

www.allaboutphilosophy.org

Becket, Samuel. Waiting for Godot. Samuel Becket, April 2017.

Camus, Albert. The Stranger. City Name: Name of Publisher, Year. Print.

Mallozzi, Jean-Paul. Broadway & Prince and Goomba, 2017, multimedia on canvas and

panel.

“PHILOSOPHY- Albert Camus.” YouTube, uploaded by The School of Life, 9 Oct 2017,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQOfbObFOCw&t=334s

“’Waiting for Godot’ Explained with Philosophy | Philosophy Tube” YouTube, uploaded

by Philosophy Tube, 9 Oct 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsxkEs6G-

9s&app=desktop