3 Michel Foucault quotes that changed my perspective on life and art
“What strikes me is the fact that in our society, art has become something which is related only to objects and not to individuals, or to life. That art is something which is specialized or which is done by experts who are artists. But couldn’t everyone’s life become a work of art? Why should the lamp or the house be an art object, but not our life?” — Michel Foucault
***
“I don’t feel that it is necessary to know exactly what I am. The main interest in life and work is to become someone else that you were not in the beginning. If you knew when you began a book what you would say at the end, do you think that you would have the courage to write it? What is true for writing and for love relationships is true also for life. The game is worthwhile insofar as we don’t know where it will end.” — Michel Foucault
***
“The judges of normality are present everywhere. We are in the society of the teacher-judge, the doctor-judge, the educator-judge, the social worker-judge; it is on them that the universal reign of the normative is based; and each individual, wherever he may find himself, subjects to it his body, his gestures, his behavior, his aptitudes, his achievements.” — Michel Foucault
***
The world is a melting pot of different experiences, and from this, we all play a part in the creation of this one grand art piece.
Art is not and should not be something easily defined by objects; art is the pursuit of creation. In our society, we wish to quickly define everything around us, to create a set of rules, which then makes everything easily commodifiable. This type of society breeds conformity, and it comes from the boots of power.
So, has art been relegated to the status of a mere commodity, something to be bought and sold like any other product?
Doing life and art as an act of rebellion
Maybe a method of subverting this commodification is putting a new focus on the idea that life is art. When you do life, you do art; when you pursue the act of creation, you do art; when you do life, you’re creating.
You know, there’s a certain intangible quality that can’t be defined or described. But we know it when we feel it. That moment when we come into the awareness that we are creating something or truly experiencing something created. The new relationship that sweeps you off your feet, noticing the sunlight dancing through the trees, a TV show that pulls you into its world, a book that has you rethinking your entire life, all of it. And in all of that, you’re creating your own art of life by taking part in the art of others.
Art is something we create, moment by moment, through our interactions with the world. Life is our canvas, and every moment is a brushstroke.
So, what does this mean for how we live our lives? We can choose to lead simple lives or complex ones, to follow our bliss or suppress our desires. But perhaps it means living with intention, creating each moment with purpose and meaning. I think remembering that life is art can help us see the beauty in even the most mundane moments. It can remind us of the wonder that exists all around us, if only we take the time to look for it.
Maybe part of remembering that life is art comes from understanding the pressures of conformity and commodification around us. And then maybe your way of doing life can become an act of rebellion. Stay curious!
For my personal and dream-based letter, join here🙂 We examine ideas that you’ve never considered before! If you’d like to chat with me and some thoughtful thinkers, join our Discord! Also, if you enjoy the experience on Medium, consider supporting me and thousands of writers by signing up for their full membership! (Signing up with the links supports me directly).