Authenticity Conundrum
The philosophical concept of authenticity has fundamental influence on art. While the subject is age old, the focus on authenticity concept is central for the leading existentialist philosopter of teh 20th century Martin Heidegger (1889-1976). In particular in his work "Being and Time." Heidegger argues that in order to live a meaningful and fulfilled existence, individuals must strive for authenticity, which involves being true to oneself and embracing one's own unique possibilities and potentialities. Authenticity requires acknowledging and confronting conditions of inauthenticity, such as societal expectations, norms, and roles, without being defined by them.
For his fellow existentialist (but not a friend) French philosopher Jean-Paul Starte (1905-1980) authenticity, involves embracing freedom, making autonomous choices, and taking ownership of one's existence. For him the artist's role is in creating authentic works that reflect individual freedom and existential themes.
Existentialism has left a significant imprint on Western society, with its founders delving into discussions of authenticity and freedom. It is worth noting that one of them was a member of the German National Socialist Party in the 1930s, without ever offering an apology, while the other faced accusations of turning a blind eye to the atrocities of Stalinism as part of the left in France.
In the realm of art and creative endeavors, the legacy of this philosophical movement is deeply ingrained within Western culture. It permeates as a cultural undercurrent, where the ultimate pursuit of existence lies in the exploration and definition of our true, authentic selves.
When it comes to ceramics, particularly functional pottery, an inherent struggle emerges between the desire to possess a unique, authentic object that reflects one's individual expression and the banality of its mundane function.
Make it stand out
Bernard Leach is considered the founder of the Studio Ceramics movement. He was a pioneer in the revival of hand-made pottery in the early 20th century. He was influenced by traditional Japanese pottery, and he brought these ideas back to England when he returned from a trip to Japan in 1909. He set up a pottery in St Ives, Cornwall, in 1920, and he began to teach and write about pottery. His work and ideas had a profound impact on the development of studio pottery in Britain and around the world.
Bernard was one of the first potters to challenge the traditional view of pottery as a craft that was only suitable for mass production. He believed that pottery could be a form of art, and he worked to create handmade pottery that was both an art and a functional ware.
The studio ceramics movement refers to a movement in the field of ceramics that emerged in the mid-20th century, emphasizing the importance of individual expression, artistic autonomy, and the creation of handmade ceramics in personal studio settings. It stood in contrast to industrial mass production and factory-made ceramics, emphasizing the unique qualities and authenticity of handmade objects.
The link between the studio ceramics movement and the philosophical concepts of existentialist authenticity can be seen in the following ways:
Emphasis on Individual Expression puts value on the unique expression of the individual. Ceramic artists within the movement sought to create authentic works that reflected their personal vision, experiences, and emotions. This emphasis on individual expression resonates with existentialist ideas of the importance of embracing one's own unique possibilities and potentialities.
Connection to Material and Process: Existentialist philosophy often highlights the significance of engaging with the world and materials around us. Similarly, studio ceramic artists value a direct and intimate relationship with the materials they work with, such as clay, and the process of creating ceramics. This hands-on engagement and connection with the material is seen as a way to express authenticity and meaning.
Authenticity in Craftsmanship: Existentialist philosophy emphasizes the importance of authenticity in actions and endeavors. Studio ceramics, with its focus on craftsmanship and the hand of the artist, seeks to create authentic objects that embody the artist's intentions, skills, and dedication. The emphasis on craftsmanship and the personal touch in studio ceramics aligns with existentialist ideas of living authentically.
Reflection of Human Condition: Existentialist philosophy often delves into themes of human existence, individuality, and the human condition. Similarly, studio ceramics can explore these existential themes, reflecting the artist's exploration of their own identity, relationships, and experiences. Ceramics can evoke emotions, challenge societal norms, and raise questions about the nature of human existence.
The studio ceramics movement provides a platform for artists to create works that reflect their own authenticity and engage with existentialist themes through the medium of ceramics.
However, in contemporary art, the challenge of ubiquitous access to the internet and the proliferation of imagery through social media further complicates the perception of what is genuine and what is a product of commercial plagiarism. The constant exposure to a vast array of images blurs the line between originality and imitation, making it increasingly difficult to determine who came up with an idea first or if it was merely copied.
Despite these challenges and the potential futility they present, the pursuit of authenticity and freedom demands conscious effort and an unwavering will. It is through this conscious choice and determination that we can transcend the overwhelming sea of replicated images and find genuine meaning in our existence. As Jean-Paul Sartre famously said, "Freedom is what you do with what has been done to you." This quote emphasizes the active role we play in shaping our own authenticity and freedom, despite the pervasive influence of external factors. Similarly, Martin Heidegger reminds us that "authenticity means being true to oneself," highlighting the personal responsibility we have in the search for authenticity and the crucial role of our individual will in the process.
