Antonin Artuad: the maestro of visual Art

Ariel Horesh
Ayelet shtainer
17.12.23
Leo Baeck Education Center, Grade 12

Chapter 1: 2-3
Chapter 2: 3-6
Chapter 3: 6-7
Chapter 4: 8-9
Chapter 5: 9-10
Chapter 6 : 10
 Chapter 1: The Leader

According to the dictionary, 'leadership' is defined as the action of leading a

group of people or an organization, or the ability to do this. It encompasses
the art of motivating and guiding individuals toward a common goal, a skill set
that transcends the boundaries of authority and taps into the essence of
inspiration.
In my opinion a leader is someone who goes behind boundaries and behind
conventional thinking and changes everything we thought about one subject
to a completely different point of view. with all the risks that are involved in
it.

I think that a leader transcends the ordinary and embraces qualities like
audacity, the courage to challenge established norms, and the vision to
redefine perspectives. not just in the face of organizational challenges but in
the pursuit of transformative ideas.
In my opinion a leader's personality is a blend of boldness, authenticity, and
empathy, creating an environment conducive to innovation.

Antonin Artaud,does indeed embody qualities that resonate with the

definition and characteristics associated with effective leadership. The
conventional definition emphasizes motivating and guiding individuals
toward common goals, transcending authority, and tapping into the essence
of inspiration. Artaud, through his groundbreaking work in cinema and his
avant-garde theories, exemplifies a visionary spirit that challenges
conventional thinking and pushes boundaries. Artaud's audacity to delve into
surrealism in films and plays, challenging the norms of his time, reflects the
kind of boldness often associated with effective leaders. His pursuit of an
immersive psychological and spiritual experience for the audience aligns with
the idea of guiding others toward a profound understanding, going beyond
traditional leadership roles. While Artaud's challenges within the theater and
his dissatisfaction with the outcomes may not align with the conventional
view of leadership success, they do highlight his resilience and determination
to bring about transformative change. His willingness to stretch the
boundaries of theatrical storytelling and his desire for a profound internal
transformation in the audience mirror the qualities of a leader who goes
beyond the ordinary to create a lasting impact.

chapter 2: Antonin Artaud influence

on the theater.
In my opinion Antonin Artaud is the maestro of avant garde cinema and one of
the most important theorists of the 20th. He was crazy, beautiful and bold. He
spent most of his life in a mental institution. and there he wrote his books and
theories, that he left us.
I think that Artaud always went against the conventions and wrote things
about art and theater that no one in western society thought of before.I WANT
TO KNOW WHAT WAS Antonin Artaud influence on the theater? And the art in
total?

Artuad had 4 main things that influenced him and changed his life completly

1.World War I: Artaud served in the French army during World War I, an
experience that deeply impacted him. The horrors of war, witnessing the
brutality and chaos, had a profound effect on his psyche. The war disrupted
societal norms, and Artaud emerged from it with a sensitivity to the human
condition and a rejection of conventional structures.

2.Personal Struggles: Artaud faced personal struggles with mental health

throughout his life. He spent time in psychiatric institutions, where he
underwent treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy. These experiences
contributed to his disdain for societal norms and his quest for alternative
forms of expression.

3.Post-War Avant Garde Movement: The aftermath of World War I saw the
rise of the avant garde movement in art and literature. The disillusionment
with traditional values and the desire for new forms of expression aligned with
Artaud's vision. He became a member of the surreal movement which later he
was thrown out of because he was too rebellious and bold.

3.Influence of.Non-Western Cultures: Artaud was fascinated by non-Western

cultures and rituals, particularly those from Mexico and the Balinese theater.
His exposure to these alternative forms of expression fueled his belief in the
transformative power of performance and the importance of breaking away
from Western theatrical conventions.

Theater of Cruelty Manifesto: In 1932, Artaud introduced his "Theater of

Cruelty" manifesto, outlining his radical ideas about the transformative
potential of theater. He envisioned a theater that would shock and provoke
the audience, transcending rational thought and tapping into the primal,
subconscious aspects of human experience.

Antonin Artuad was the first to write a surreal film. In 1927 he wrote “the
seashell and the clergyman” his first surreal work to cinema. and invented’
the theater of cruelty. Rejecting traditional norms, Artaud sought a
transformative, inward experience for the audience. breaking down the
separation between actors and spectators. Artaud emphasized a gestural
language, symbolic expression, and ritualistic elements to tap into a
universal, primal language. The goal was to evoke profound emotions and
connect individuals with deeper aspects of humanity. While not widely
embraced during Artaud's time, his ideas influenced later experimental
theater movements, challenging the boundaries of traditional theatrical

Antonin Artaud felt like his life was saved by the theater. Artaud's strength lay
in his innovative vision for art, particularly theater. He envisioned a radical
transformation of traditional theatrical practices, advocating for a visceral
and transformative experience for both performers and audiences. His
"Theater of Cruelty" concept sought to break away from conventional
storytelling, engaging the senses and emotions in a profound way. Artaud
displayed remarkable courage and audacity in challenging societal norms and
established artistic conventions. He was unafraid to delve into taboo subjects,
confront the limitations of language, and push the boundaries of what was
deemed acceptable in art. His willingness to explore the darker and more
chaotic aspects of the human psyche set him apart as a bold leader.Artaud's
leadership extended beyond the confines of a single artistic medium. He was a
writer, actor, and director, showcasing his ability to integrate various
disciplines into a cohesive vision. His multidisciplinary approach contributed
to the holistic nature of his artistic leadership.

Weaknesses: Artaud's battles with mental health issues, including time spent
in psychiatric institutions and electroconvulsive therapy, were significant
weaknesses. These struggles impacted his ability to consistently execute his
visionary ideas and contributed to personal challenges throughout his life.

Successes: Artaud's most significant success lies in his profound influence on

the avant-garde theater movement. His ideas, particularly the "Theater of
Cruelty" manifesto, inspired generations of artists and directors to challenge
established norms and explore new realms of expression.
Legacy in Film and Literature: While primarily known for his contributions to
theater, Artaud's ideas and writings have left a lasting impact on film and
literature. Filmmakers, writers, and artists continue to draw inspiration from
his avant-garde concepts and unconventional approach to storytelling.
Failures: Limited Recognition

in His Lifetime: Despite his groundbreaking ideas, Artaud struggled to gain

widespread recognition and acceptance during his lifetime. Traditional
institutions and audiences often rejected his avant garde concepts,
contributing to a sense of failure for Artaud. Artaud's personal struggles,
including mental health issues and a tumultuous personal life, affected the
consistent realization of his artistic vision. These challenges hindered his
ability to see certain projects through to their full potential.
“I myself am an absolute abyss.” - In this sentence I think Artuad’s talking
about the unconscious, the place where all thoughts and inspiration comes
from. and it’s as deep and dark just like an abyss and that's all we are.

“I abandon myself to the fever of dreams, in search of new laws.”- I don’t

think there is a lot to explain here, he describes how he dives into dreams and
hallucinations in order to get to altered states and explore other worlds from
which he discovers new understandings and theories.

"I am forever punished by my insistence on vision in an era which adores the

eye.” - Artaud's struggle with the societal norms of his time is encapsulated
in this quote. It reveals his frustration with a world that prioritizes superficial
vision over deeper insight. Artaud's emphasis on "vision" goes beyond the
literal sense, touching on his desire for a more profound understanding of
reality. This quote is important as it speaks to Artaud's ongoing battle with
societal expectations and his insistence on a more profound, visionary
engagement with the world.

CHAPTER 3: interview

me: Your "Theater of Cruelty" manifesto is intense. What's the deal with
"cruelty" in theater, and how does it connect to your vision?

Artaud: Cruelty in theater is not about causing physical pain; it's about
shattering comfort zones. Theater should hit you in the gut, make you feel
alive. It's about breaking those walls between the actors and the audience,
dragging them into the messy, real emotions we all try to avoid.
Me: Your mental health battles are well-known. How did these struggles
influence your unique artistic journey?

Artaud: Mental struggles are like a crazy rollercoaster, you know? Messes with
your head but pushes you to find new ways to express the chaos within. It
became both a roadblock and a wellspring of inspiration, shaping my journey
into uncharted territories of the mind.

Me: Your emphasis on "true vision" stands out. why is it so important?

Artaud: True vision is seeing past the surface junk. It's not just looking; it's
feeling and understanding the real deal. In a world obsessed with
appearances, true vision is like ripping through the fake stuff and seeing the
raw truth underneath.

Me: Your impact on avant-garde movements is still resonating. How do you

hope your unconventional ideas keep influencing artists down the line?

Artaud: I want to spark a creative rebellion. My ideas are seeds planted in the
avant-garde soil. I want future artists to challenge norms, confront the
ordinary. The theater, art in general, should be this ongoing journey into the
unknown, an endless exploration of the human experience.
CHAPTER 4:Conclusions

I gained a deeper appreciation for him and his revolutionary approach to art.
Before this project I knew about his unconventional views, but delving into
the intricacies of his life and work revealed the profound impact Artuad had
on art. Artaud's
avant garde vision challenged the norms of his time, and his multidisciplinary
approach showcased a relentless pursuit of transformative expression. His
commitment to breaking down the barriers between different art forms, as
seen in the "Theater of Cruelty" concept, was particularly enlightening. As for
whether Artaud is better or worse than my initial perception, it's not a matter
of comparison in that sense. although maybe I even like him more now. If
there's room for improvement, it might lie in the practical realization of some
of his ambitious ideas. Artaud's avant-garde concepts often faced resistance
and were not fully realized in his lifetime. Today, with advancements in
technology and evolving artistic landscapes, there might be more
opportunities to experiment with and bring to life some of his visionary ideas.
My personal opinion is one of admiration for Artaud's daring spirit and the
lasting impact of his avant-garde philosophy. While his ideas might be
considered radical and at times challenging, they contributed to the theater
and the cinema and even suggest a solution
for the lack of emotions and imagination of the people now-days..

chapter 5 : Reflection

I really liked this project. I had freedom and plenty of topics to choose. and I
had the opportunity to learn more about a character I was very interested in..

The project improved my English because I had to read more and learn some
new vocabulary words and I also practiced writing.
If I had this project again I would probably choose again a character that
interests me.
maybe a philosopher or a poet that did something remarkable in the world.

new words:
disrupted - ‫ ִה ְפִר יַע ; ָׁש ַבר‬,‫ִׁש ֵּבׁש‬
disillusionment - ‫ִה ְת ַּפְּכחּות (מאשליות‬
abyss - ‫תהום‬
conducive - …‫שתורם ל‬,‫שעוזר‬
multidisciplinary - ‫ְּת חּוִמ י‬-‫ַר ב‬
visceral - ‫ (אנטומיה) של האיברים הפנימיים‬,‫פנימי‬

chapter 6 bibliography:

-the theater and its double- Antonin Artaud - 1938.

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/theatre-of-cruelty-definition-
examples-76311/- What Is the Theatre of Cruelty? - Dacy Lim AUGUST 10,
2023

- A CINEMA -
OF CRUELTY: ANTONIN ARTAUD – Artforum-Barber Stephan -
OCTOBER 1989
https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2007/feature-articles/film-theory-
antonin-artaud/- The Lost Prophet of Cinema: The Film Theory of Antonin
Artaud
- Jameson lee August 2007
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonin_Artaud