Absurdism on the Stage and Canvas

After only a few minutes of watching Didi and Gogo talk in illogical spirals, it became very clear that the play Waiting for Godot was going to be an intellectual experience like no other. I did some research on the absurdist movement, and I eventually stumbled upon absurdist art. Despite the obvious differences in the mode of expression, I discovered that there are many similarities between the Theatre of the Absurd and absurdist art. 

The piece of absurdist artwork that I will compare to Waiting For Godot is included above. Artist Michael Cheval, who often depicts an upturned side of reality in his works, created this piece. One of the dominant features in this painting is the translucent cow (which is partly made out of hedges) and the completed statues of cows that are located towards the back of the scene. This aspect of the painting gives a feeling of uncertainty as the mind cannot perfectly grasp the image. This quality of elusiveness is also prominent in Waiting for Godot in the way that Didi and Gogo’s memories seem to always be just out of reach.

Another interesting feature in this artwork is the expansive maze. Mazes are often associated with disorientation which is definitely found in the Theatre of the Absurd. In the play, Didi and Gogo are found in a bleak, deserted area with no other buildings or landmarks in sight.  With this lack of direction and visual stimulation, one could easily get lost, both physically and mentally. Didi and Gogo seem to become mentally disoriented in this place where they have no other way to pass their time but to relate every disorganized thought they have. 

Lastly, there are many elements of the painting that seem unexpected or out of place. For example, there is a ballerina seeming to perform in the middle of the maze. She is accompanied by three kittens and their balls of yarn as well as the cow that I mentioned before. It is unlikely that such a scene would be found in daily life, just like the image of Pozzo and Lucky connected by a rope. Furthermore, even though the Boy Godot sent to Didi and Gogo does not seem physically out of place in the play, he is clearly mentally and emotionally uncomfortable in the situation he finds himself in.  

I wonder what other interesting things will happen as we wait for Godot!