Saturday, March 2, 2019
The Wasteland: Art
Attached are some pieces of art inspired by The Wasteland. I find it interesting how all are scattered in their composition, almost confusing to look at, as this relates not only to fragmentation but to the major themes of the poem. The last piece in particular resonated with me as it shows an apparently broken man, composed of pieces that don't blend and features that are divided by blunt lines. Through this technique, the artist has reflected the style of the poem while demonstrating T.S. Eliot's portrait of a modern man. The first two pieces evoke similar emotions: chaos, confusion, and the corruption brought with modernity.
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That's really cool! They kind of make my head spin!
These chaotic art pieces also made me think of Mardi Gras and the parades I've been to during this Carnival season. Sometimes at parades, I get caught up in the excitement and chaos around me--everything from the bright-colored outfits/costumes to the energetic crowds, shouting people, and blaring music. Maybe Mardi Gras season isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I certainly enjoy it. Still, even though Mardi Gras often involves pure chaos and confusion, it is much, much different from the wasteland T.S. Eliot describes in his poem The Waste Land.
For example, in The Waste Land, Eliot describes people who prefer the numbing sensation of winter. In contrast, Mardi Gras is anything but numbing. If anything, it's overstimulating and emotionally exhausting. Furthermore, the wasteland in Eliot's poem is often described as dead and decaying, and sometimes Eliot even likens it to the trenches in WWI! During Mardi Gras season (and honestly during much of the rest of the year), the city of New Orleans is alive. People come to our city to douse themselves in a shower of New Orleans revelry. Lastly, two other "themes" Eliot brings up quite frequently in his poem are infertility and lack of connection. And Mardi Gras parades aren't like the first one at all. This next comparison might not be the best, but let's just say people aren't afraid to show some skin on the parade route. Secondly, people become very connected during Mardi Gras--in many different ways. Mardi Gras can be a time to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Whether you celebrate alone, with your school buddies, or with your family, Mardi Gras inevitably becomes a social event. (Yes, some people can be very vicious at parades, but in my experience, many people are rather friendly and talkative.)
All in all, I guess you could say that there are (at least) two types of chaos. There's wasteland chaos. And then there's Mardi Gras chaos. I think I know which one I prefer.
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