Albert Camus uses The Stranger as a means to explore themes of confusion and violence, which are also explored in Joan Mitchell’s abstract art. The dramatic color range in her untitled work below could be viewed as an expression of violence. Paint strokes are angry and twisted. The randomness and lack of order seek to portray confusion in the painting. One might infer that dripping paint is a representation of blood.
In Camus’ The Stranger violence erupts out of confusion, and a murder occurs without a strong motive. After spending time with his new friend, Meursault is pulled into the conflict between Raymond and the group of Arabs. The hatred builds up tension and eventually, results in Meursault killing one of Raymond’s enemies on the beach. “I knew that I had shattered the harmony of the day, the exceptional silence of a beach where I’d been happy. Then I fired four more times at the motionless body where the bullets lodged without leaving a trace.” This passage from The Stranger shows Meursault’s disappointment and confusion about the violent event.
“Raymond started getting worked up. The other Arab went on playing, and both of them were watching every move Raymond made. “No,” I said to Raymond, “take him on man to man and give me your gun.” Originally intending to prevent violence by taking Raymond’s gun, Meursault ends up committing murder. This irony further underlines the confusion and violence in Camus’ novel. Through paint and words, both artist and writer communicate their opinions about violence and confusion.
In Camus’ The Stranger violence erupts out of confusion, and a murder occurs without a strong motive. After spending time with his new friend, Meursault is pulled into the conflict between Raymond and the group of Arabs. The hatred builds up tension and eventually, results in Meursault killing one of Raymond’s enemies on the beach. “I knew that I had shattered the harmony of the day, the exceptional silence of a beach where I’d been happy. Then I fired four more times at the motionless body where the bullets lodged without leaving a trace.” This passage from The Stranger shows Meursault’s disappointment and confusion about the violent event.
“Raymond started getting worked up. The other Arab went on playing, and both of them were watching every move Raymond made. “No,” I said to Raymond, “take him on man to man and give me your gun.” Originally intending to prevent violence by taking Raymond’s gun, Meursault ends up committing murder. This irony further underlines the confusion and violence in Camus’ novel. Through paint and words, both artist and writer communicate their opinions about violence and confusion.
To me, this painting portrays happiness, the vibrant colors and strokes represent a dance like, pattern in my eyes. The drips of paint flowing down the canvas could signify the measure of time as the dance goes on. The light strokes on the outer edge of the canvas signify a light touch that the artist has used as he may have been dancing about on the canvas. The heavier strokes of green do, however, represent to me a slightly darker tone, this definitely represents Meursault's unhappiness.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of connecting art to a TV episode in general. You do a really good job of your descriptions concerning the art and episode and that helps make your connection really smooth within the structure of writing. Really cool dude
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