Georges Seurat: The Paradox of Togetherness
I’ll be honest—maybe a little too honest. I was recently encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and make new friends. So, here I am, connecting. I’m not ashamed to admit that I signed up for group activities online to meet like-minded friends with similar interests (jazz outings, book clubs, discussion groups, etc.). Putting myself out there, sharing bits of who I am, networking with strangers is absolutely terrifying. I think even the most outgoing person can relate to this feeling. There’s something utterly daunting about stepping into the unknown. Yet, only these experiences can open the door to new connections.
This brings me to today’s topic: existentialism and alienation in 20th century art.
Why is this relevant? Well, our lives are filled with endless work commitments and family obligations. We often rush through life without taking the time to connect with ourselves or others. That’s what I’m trying to do: learn about myself, share my experiences, and understand those around me. There’s a sacred beauty in human connection.
But truthfully, I work a lot, and outside of my job, I don’t really meet people. Perhaps that’s why I find solace in writing—it's a way to process these feelings of being a bit lost in the crowd. Maybe this is a form of alienation.
Interestingly, the concept of alienation became particularly significant with the existential philosophy of the fast-moving 20th century. This movement inspired many artists to visually express the feelings that plague us all at various points in our lives. One such artist is Georges Seurat (1859-1891), a pioneering figure in the post-impressionist movement. Best known for his innovative pointillism, Seurat’s art might appear serene at first glance, but a deeper look reveals themes of existential angst and alienation. His work invites us to reflect on isolation, identity, and the search for meaning in our lives.
A Disconnect, from the Self and from Others
At its core, alienation refers to a sense of estrangement. Existential thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) and Albert Camus (1913-1960) explored how modern life can leave individuals feeling disconnected from their true selves and from society around them. This disconnection can arise from various factors; societal expectations, the general absurdity of existence, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
(Pause and check out Sartre’s pretty cool writing set up below.)
One of the most profound aspects of alienation is the feeling of being disconnected from one's own identity. In a world filled with pressures to conform we can lose sight of their authentic selves. It’s all about landing a better job, getting a better partner, making our families proud, etc. This internal conflict can lead to feelings of emptiness and confusion, prompting the existential question: Who am I really?
Existential alienation also manifests in our relationships with others. While we crave connection and understanding, we often find ourselves feeling isolated in busy places. Sartre famously stated “Hell is other people” in his play No Exit, highlighting the tension that can exist in interpersonal relationships. Loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by others because we exist, not for ourselves, but for others. This line refers to an alienation from ourselves, and from others.
Despite the challenges that alienation presents, existential philosophy encourages us to confront these feelings head-on. By recognizing and embracing our alienation, we can begin to reclaim our sense of self and agency. This journey often involves seeking authenticity, fostering genuine connections, and creating our own meaning in a world that can feel indifferent. Lesson of the day : Leave your pod, or your office, talk to people, even just for 15 minutes, with no expectation in mind. Learn their stories and share yours.
The Illusion of Connection and the Power of Perception
Back to art. Seurat is a master of illusion. In A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, he shows us Parisians enjoying a seemingly leisurely day. However, beneath the surface of this joyful gathering lies a sense of disconnection. The figures, while physically present, and surrounded by one another, appear alone and emotionally isolated. This reflects Sartre's key belief that even in social situations, people can feel profoundly disconnected from one another.
The characters in Seurat’s works generally seem to embody existentialism, highlighting how societal settings can foster a sense of loneliness. Their rigid postures and blank expressions evoke a feeling of alienation, highlighting the struggle to forge genuine connections as an adult in a modern world.
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Georges Seurat (1884)
Seurat’s use of color and light is not just a technical achievement; it also speaks to existential concerns about perception and reality. In works like Bathers at Asnières, the division of color into distinct dots challenges traditional representation and encourages viewers to consider the power of perception.
This questioning of reality aligns with existentialist ideas about the subjective nature of experience. Sartre believed that life inherently lacks meaning and that individuals must create their own. The figures in Bathers at Asnières seem to float in a dreamlike state, evoking feelings of uncertainty amidst a fragmented reality.
Bathers at Asnières, Georges Seurat (1884)
The illusion of connection is exponentially amplified by Seurat’s innovative technique. In Seurat's pointillism, the dots of color create a dynamic interplay, reminding us that reality is not fixed but rather perceived differently by each observer. This connection underscores Sartre’s belief in the fluidity of existence and the importance of perspective.
Seurat’s take on perception aligns with Sartre's idea of existence preceding essence—individuals must define themselves through their choices and interpretations, rather than through the traditional expectations of the lived experience. In other words, find yourself, be yourself, and dismiss what other people want you to be.
The Weight of Modern Life
Seurat often depicted scenes of modern urban life to illustrate the disconnect arising from urban lifestyles. In Circus Sideshow, the characters are portrayed in a moment of stillness, yet their expressions convey a profound sense of longing and detachment. This painting reflects the existential struggle inherent in modernity, where people like us are often caught in the machinery of urban existence.
The performers, despite being the center of attention, seem trapped in their roles, mirroring the idea that people are constantly putting on a spectacle. Set against the backdrop of a circus, Circus Sideshow highlights the paradox of city life: we are surrounded by others, yet we can experience profound isolation. The figures in this particular scene seem caught in the spectacle, emphasizing how the modern world can inadvertently reduce us to mere spectators of our own lives. Don’t just watch - live life and let life happen.
Circus Sideshow, Georges Seurat (1887-1888)
Take a Step Back to See Better
The main takeaway here is that both Sartre and Seurat value authenticity and the pursuit of individuality. Sartre argues that we must confront the absurdity of being alive, and assert our individual freedom through authentic choices. Choices that feel right, choice that are separate from the spectacle of our lives.
In the same vein, Seurat’s departure from traditional artistic conventions can be seen as an assertion of his individuality. His unique technique reflects a quest for authenticity in art, inviting us viewers to contemplate our own authentic selves amidst societal expectations.
To make choices that feel right, rather than just appearing right, we often need to take a step back and gain perspective. Seurat vividly illustrates this idea in his art through his pointillist technique. This approach requires us to step back and consider the painting as a whole, allowing us to appreciate the intricate details and overall composition fully. By doing so, we gain a deeper understanding—not just of the artwork, but of our own perspectives as well.
Ultimately, Seurat’s art and Sartre’s existential concerns converge in their exploration of alienation, perception, and authenticity. Seurat’s innovative approach to painting reflects the complexities of human experience that Sartre articulates in his written works, inviting us to confront our own feelings of isolation and our quest for meaning.