In the vast landscape of artistic creation, there exists a perennial debate surrounding the role of art in relation to reality. Traditional academic art (after Baroque) implies that art should faithfully mirror the world as it is perceived, adhering to the boundaries of common understanding. However, there emerges a dissenting voice, challenging this conventional notion and advocating for the refusal of reality within the realm of painting.
At the heart of this dissent lies a profound inquiry into the essence of painting itself. Is art merely a reflection of external reality, or does it serve a higher purpose—a means of expressing, discovering, and reimagining the world beyond the constraints of ordinary perception? These questions provoke a reevaluation of the artist’s role, casting them not merely as imitators of reality, but as architects of new and provocative worlds.
The refusal to conform to the dictates of reality is not an act of defiance for its own sake. Instead, it is a deliberate choice—an assertion of the artist’s autonomy and creative agency. By rejecting the confines of common reality, the artist embraces the freedom to explore the depths of their imagination, unfettered by the constraints of convention.
Central to this reinterpretation of reality is the concept of painting as an act of introspection and revelation. Through the artist’s unique perspective and technique, mundane objects and experiences are transformed into symbols of profound meaning and significance. Each mark becomes a conduit for the artist’s innermost thoughts and emotions, inviting viewers to explore the hidden depths of human experience.
Consider, for example, the portrayal of a whipping baby or a sexually hyperactive adolescent. These images, while provocative and unsettling, serve as powerful reminders of the complexity and nuance of human existence. Through the artist’s lens, these seemingly ordinary subjects are imbued with layers of meaning and symbolism, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage with the deeper realities of life.
But when I say Refusal of reality I do not mean to delve into abstraction although it is one possible inner world. What I mean is that within us are realities that are as objective as what we perceive in the everyday life. What I mean is raising our consciousness to perceive our deep objective truths without falling into cheap subjectivity. That subjectivity can lead to such truths but it is a raw material to be worked on. If we treat it as the end product we cannot grasp the fullest of that reality. We have given to much credit to “What shoes does the artist wear for the journey” rather than what he brings back.
Furthermore, Subjectivity does not equal inner world. There is much of inner world that can be regarded as objective, thus everyone understands and feels it in the same way. We all feel anger, lust, love, mercy etc, although it is an inner experience it is not something outside objective reality. Of course this experiences have a subjective component that is important as well, but not the most important. The objective component of our inner world has the power to connect us together, and the subjective component has the power to spark our curiosity about each other.
Ultimately, the refusal of reality in painting represents a bold reimagining of the artist’s role in society. No longer content to simply reflect the world as it is, the artist becomes an agent of change—a visionary whose work challenges, provokes, and inspires. Through their refusal to accept the status quo, they invite viewers to question their own perceptions and engage with the world in new and unexpected ways.
In conclusion, the refusal of reality in painting represents a radical departure from conventional wisdom, challenging artists to embrace their creative freedom and redefine the boundaries of artistic expression. By daring to imagine and create worlds beyond the confines of common reality, artists have the power to transform not only their own lives but also the lives of countless others who encounter their work. As agents of change and visionaries, these artists invite viewers to question their perceptions and engage with the world in new and unexpected ways, sparking conversations and inspiring reflection. The refusal of reality in painting is not merely an artistic technique but a profound statement about the nature of perception, consciousness, and the human experience itself. It is a call to embrace the complexities and nuances of existence, to delve into the depths of imagination, and to discover truths that transcend the ordinary. In the refusal of reality, artists find liberation, viewers find inspiration, and the boundaries of possibility are expanded.
