D. H. Lawrence: 'I can't bear art that you can walk round and admire. A book should be either a bandit or a rebel or a man in the crowd.'

I can't bear art that you can walk round and admire. A book should be either a bandit or a rebel or a man in the crowd.

The quote by D. H. Lawrence, "I can't bear art that you can walk round and admire. A book should be either a bandit or a rebel or a man in the crowd," captures the essence of his perspective on art. In a straightforward sense, Lawrence suggests that art should not merely exist as something to be passively observed or admired from a distance. Instead, he sees art as having a transformative power that should elicit a strong reaction from the audience. Lawrence's quote highlights his belief that a book, as a form of art, should embody characteristics of a bandit, a rebel, or an individual immersed in the chaos of the crowd. Implicit within this statement is the idea that art should be bold, challenging societal norms and provoking a sense of discomfort or unease within its witnesses.Expanding on Lawrence's thought-provoking quote, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept, existentialism, to delve deeper into the meaning and importance of his words. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and personal responsibility. It explores the notion that human beings shape their own lives through their choices and actions, ultimately defining their own meaning and purpose.In the context of Lawrence's quote, existentialism provides a compelling lens through which to examine the role of art. Just as individuals are urged to confront the complexities and uncertainties of existence, Lawrence suggests that art should do the same. It should challenge the boundaries of societal conventions and provoke a visceral response that forces individuals to confront their own beliefs, values, and prejudices.By incorporating the tenets of existentialism, Lawrence's assertion gains a broader significance. A book that is either a bandit, rebel, or man in the crowd becomes a metaphor for the human experience, reflecting the struggle for authenticity and self-expression against the backdrop of a conformist society. In this light, art is not merely a vehicle for aesthetic appreciation but a catalyst for introspection, encouraging individuals to question the status quo and actively engage with the world around them.Comparing and contrasting Lawrence's perspective with that of traditional art forms, such as still life paintings or sculptures, reveals a stark difference in purpose and impact. While traditional art forms often strive for beauty and visual appeal, Lawrence's ideology disrupts this notion and demands a more active engagement from the audience. Traditional art, like walking around and admiring a sculpture, can be aesthetically pleasing but may lack the subversive nature that Lawrence advocates for.By contrast, Lawrence's vision of art as a bandit, rebel, or man in the crowd insists on breaking free from the confines of pleasant aesthetics. It seeks to challenge authority, defy convention, and embrace the complexities of human existence. This perspective invites the audience to confront uncomfortable truths, question their own assumptions, and spark meaningful discourse.Ultimately, Lawrence's quote stands as an impassioned plea for art to transcend the confines of beauty and passivity. It calls for artists and audiences alike to reject the notion of art as a mere decoration or entertainment and instead embrace art that embodies rebellion, individualism, and the diversity found within society. By igniting a spark within the minds and hearts of its witnesses, art, in Lawrence's view, becomes a potent catalyst for personal growth, social change, and the pursuit of authentic human expression.