As we all recover from this weekend’s festivities, I can assume that there were things about the weekend that we loved, hated and maybe don’t quite remember. Now that it’s over, the time has come to relate art to all of those things we wish we hadn’t done, or perhaps wish we had done.
French philosopher Albert Camus once said, “A guilty conscience needs to confess. A work of art is a confession.” While I know Camus is not an artist, let’s be honest, he had some good advice on how to get rid of a guilty conscience. You might, however, still be wondering how art can help relieve any guilt you might be feeling.
Whether it’s guilt over hurting a friend in some way, spending a little time praying to the porcelain god this weekend, accidentally falling down one too many times, using words in the wrong way at the wrong time or quite possibly smashing your distal phalanges between a heavy table and the floor, there is probably something about Monon that is riding your guilt.
It doesn’t matter what it is, just get it off your chest. And if getting it off your chest the conventional way isn’t good enough, try something new. Instead of having a chat with a friend or two, take Camus’ advice and create a work of art to explain your guilt. Confession in an unorthodox way may not seem all that great, but remember, DePauw’s old slogan is “Uncommon Success,” so why not carry that into another area of our lives?
Art works well as a tool for confession because of the energy released with the feelings evoked when creating it or gazing upon a piece. Art gives both the creator and the viewer the chance to express their feelings in an individualized, unspoken way. Depending on the state of mind, as well as the recent happenings to the viewer, a work of art can be interpreted in many different ways. Being in an ugly state of mind, such as feeling guilt-ridden about some action, can contribute immensely to the creation of a masterpiece. In the same way, the individual’s state of mind can contribute greatly to the way in which they interpret a piece of work.
Art takes time and patience to understand, just like a confession takes time and patience for someone to fully understand and, hopefully, forgive. So, at the end of the day, when you’re riding the struggle bus with whatever you’re feeling and your stop just never seems to come along, take a deep breath, forgive yourself and go color a picture. Or, at least, do something artistic.
— Chamberlain is a junior from Jasper, Ind. majoring in art history and English literature.
