There has been an increase in academic interest in the relationship between queerness and literature. This trend can be seen in the growing body of scholarship that examines how writers have used their work to explore and express their queer identities.
Less attention has been paid to how these texts might also be read as forms of existential art-making. By considering queerness through this lens, it is possible to rethink what constitutes "art" and challenge some of the conventions of literary criticism.
The nature of art
To understand why queerness might be considered a form of existential art-making, we need to consider what art is and how it functions. Art is often defined as a creative expression of ideas, feelings, or experiences, typically using visual, auditory, or performing arts like painting, music, sculpture, or theatre. It can be created for its own sake or as a means of communication, often involving the artist's subjective interpretation of reality. In other words, art is about making meaning out of life's experiences.
Defining queerness
Queerness refers to sexual and gender identities that fall outside of traditional norms, such as heterosexuality and cisgenderism. It encompasses a wide range of identities and expressions, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, pansexual, asexual, and nonbinary people. While many queer individuals experience discrimination, oppression, and violence because of their identity, there are also positive aspects to being queer, such as increased self-awareness, liberation from social expectations, and creativity.
Queerness in literature
Literature provides an excellent space to explore queer identities and experiences. Writers have used fiction, poetry, and memoirs to explore topics related to love, desire, intimacy, and community. This includes works by authors like Virginia Woolf, Oscar Wilde, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and Cheryl Clarke. Their work challenges conventional notions of gender, sex, and romance, while also highlighting the joys and struggles of queer lives.
Existential art-making
Existential art-making involves creating art with the intention of exploring fundamental human questions, such as what it means to exist, why we are here, and how to live meaningfully. Artists who engage in this practice may seek to challenge societal norms or offer alternative ways of understanding the world. Queer writers can use their work to interrogate established concepts of identity, relationships, and sexuality.
They might question why certain identities are considered "normal" or "abnormal," or explore the complexities of human desire.
Reading queerness as existential art-making
Reading queerness through an existential lens opens up new possibilities for interpretation and analysis. It allows us to consider how identity is constructed and what that means for personal and collective identities. By reframing queerness as a form of artistic expression, we can see it as a way of creating meaning out of life's experiences and pushing against cultural expectations. In doing so, we expand our understanding of what art can be and how it functions in society.
Can queerness be read as a form of existential art-making?
Yes, queer identity is an expression of individuality that can be understood as a creative act, allowing people to create their own identities rather than conforming to social norms. Queer artists have been using their work to challenge traditional gender roles and sexual norms, creating new forms of self-expression through their art. Queerness has also been linked to political activism, with many artists using their platforms to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.