The Deserts That Reveal the Absurd

Abstract

With the problem of the absurd, Albert Camus argues that one of the first steps to revolt against it is realising and confronting the feelings caused by meaninglessness. As the realisation of the absurd is caused by an emotional moment of lucidity, one that is often hard to remember; one of the best ways to recall the feeling of it is through art. As art is more based on emotion rather than reflection, it can be argued it is more effective at expressing the feelings of the absurd than a logical argument in an essay. Through the image of the desert, many pieces of art imply the feelings of absurdity. The desert’s relationship to the void makes it an image used for the realisation and confrontation of the absurd. By identifying the different deserts in several pieces of art; in literature, theatre and visual arts, as well as analysing my own artistic process, this link can be made and can be used to argue in favour of the advantage art has when expressing the feelings of absurdity. Through exploring the different examples where this is the case, the conclusion is reached; that by transmitting a feeling rather than a concept, and by showing the absurd to the viewer, it can be better understood, and the viewer is forced to confront the irrational. This is significant as it shows the importance and role of art in the absurd, as it becomes life-affirming; the first step needed to revolt against absurdity.