One of the most important human quests is the search for meaning. As a young man I was taught that this pursuit could never be realized by using a negative proposition. For example, the idea “there is no truth” is flawed because, if correct, the very notion demonstrates at least one truth does exist. Atheism is defined as the disbelief in God, but the question remains: What do atheists believe in?
Anarchy is a state of disorder through the rejection of authority, but what does an anarchist believe in — the absence of order and authority? I could go on with these examples, but this post is not intended to be a lesson in logic. It is easy to reject, tear down or find fault with a particular position. Conversely, it is extremely difficult and time consuming to fashion a positive idea or position.
Similarly, meaning can not be obtained through verifiable scientific experimentation, but it is at the heart of any serious artistic pursuit and every act of making. The earnest artist must engage in the real work of developing a positive position. It is easy to utter negative pronouncements in a casual conversation, but when you are making, those pronouncements lead you nowhere. How do you proceed? How do you make decisions when confronted with infinite possibilities? This is one reason why I enjoy art and making so much; makers must base their decisions and justify their actions on a real proposition — it is inescapable.
This is why makers tend to be an optimistic lot…or when unable to uncover meaning often turn to drink.
Nihilism is a philosophy that rejects all values and contends that nothing can be known or communicated. The true nihilist has no loyalties, no purpose other than perhaps an impulse to destroy. Dada is an anti-art movement that took hold after WWI and claimed to be the artistic expression of nihilism. The work shown here is entitled Portrait of Cezanne and was made in 1920 by artist Francis Picabia. The work is clearly an attack on the renowned artists of the era but defies any definitive meaning or interpretation. Although relatively short lived due to the fact it was based on a negative proposition, the Dada movement had a great influence on several artistic techniques still in use today such as collage, assemblage and the use of found objects. Interestingly, Picabia denounced Dada in 1921 and by 1925 had returned to figurative painting.
“How do you make decisions when confronted with infinite possibilities?” What a great question and one that should be answered by more people at a younger age in many career paths. Unfortunately, many can only see the limitations and not the possibilities.