French philosopher Albert Camus’ 1957 work ‘Create Dangerously’ traverses a myriad of avenues regarding the power and responsibility of the artist. He views valuable artistic publication as intentional and significant social movements, whilst also believing that art could simply be individual expression. Camus speaks to the fact that artistic endeavours should be written as a revolt, but also acknowledges anything produced outside of this sphere may also maintain the ability to hold value and/or meaning. Art should be raw and real, reflecting pain and excitement. To milk-down an artwork, according to Camus, is to commit a detestable crime!

Camus widely encourages artists to develop through a lens of seclusion. He maintains a strong conviction: an essential condition of artistic production is that art must reflect the sensitivities of an individual, valuing their unique judgement or slant. He comments, “Contrary to the current presumption, if there is any (person) who has no right to solitude, it is the artist. Art cannot be a monologue.”

I am strongly in favour of Camus’ reasoning because to me, individual expression is the most critical and valuable aspect to any art piece. I value the vulnerability of art created alone. I value imprinting my own meaning onto works. His speech is wonderfully prescient, characterising the modern artistic scene well. “If the world were clear, art would not exist” Camus says. So go ahead folks - embrace the mess! Embrace the muck! Get out those paint brushes and pens and start creating dangerously! 

Read it HERE.