Death of Cody and Warhol

arhol writes in a way that is very relatable, yet eludes to a sense of chosen words used to further an image of an enigma. Though I don’t find him credible on “factual” aspects of is life, the opinions about art and business are blatant. What is intriguing about Warhol is that he doesn’t need to fluff his writings with pretentious language to sound serious. He says what he feels and leaves it at that, highlighting the obvious and straight-to-the-point thoughts on art and humanity.
“And the more you decide, the more wrong it gets. Some people, they paint abstract, so they sit there thinking about it because thinking about it makes them feel like they are doing something.” – Andy Warhol Ibid, 149.
I feel I can relate with Warhol in an innate sense. I seem to personally struggle with this idea, that thinking can easily obstruct the creative process that is driven by intuition. Though, it is quite important to understand your piece and own it, not to have it leaving you blubbering about the ‘content’. I’m torn between letting myself instinctively work, but at the same time making sure everything has a purpose and will further the piece. Its difficult because the more I think, the more ideas come and take the place of what has been working, causing a discord and ending in frustration.

What I took out of “Death of the Author” was that the writer feels that he is apparently dismissed because I am now deciphering his message. According to Roland Barthes, the author of this article, the moment an idea is spoken by a third party to a fourth party, neither being the creator, the idea changes and becomes ultimately less powerful. This is seen in many instances. “The book was good, some people went on a road trip and found a magic book and killed people.” This is an example of what we here everyday; a quick synopsis of someone’s idea that is translated to fit our rushed lifestyles. The only way a reader, or second party, could fathom the entirety of the creators idea is to experience it themselves. Even then their mind lends its own experiences and opinions into the forming of interpretation.
Though this does make sense, it is crucial for an artist to debutante their ideas to the world. Art is not only therapeutic but can also hold strong messages. It’s a vehicle for the creator to be heard and contribute to a wider societal demographic. An artist thrives off of public criticism and opinion, using them to mature his ideas. Though I believe Barthes is accurate to an extent, this is an inevitable repercussion of a creator’s nature.