Sarah Musicant

Beth Kurkjian

Writing the Essay: Art and The World

6 September 2015

Noël Carroll’s ingenious analysis of Yasmina Reza’s play, Art, accentuates the

idea that art is not just some viable presence we stare at with a critic’s eye in attempt to

judge an expression of emotion. “Art and Friendship” adds a personal take on art and

how it affects typical relationships, explaining how the simple difference of taste can tear

a friendship apart. For one, he “sees something in the painting”, whereas his friend

claims, “it’s blank, it’s empty, it’s nothing, it’s worthless.” (28)

From this analysis of a fallen friendship sprouts and interesting idea, the idea that

we find ourselves in others. Carroll introduces the idea that friendship “is a lotus of

intimacy. Sharing taste and sharing our lives…typically go hand and hand” (30) When

identified with another being, a palate conflict should, in theory, be impossible. The

controversy causes an aversion to one’s other self.The two friends described from Reza’s

Art dispute not only over an art piece, but also over who they identify to be. Marcus does

not view himself as the type to appreciate the abstract, and because friends can be seen as

a reflection of oneself, when his “reflection” Serge disagrees, Marcus looses view of who

he is. Marcus and Serge no longer view themselves as “people of equal virtue and

excellence.” (28) Carroll’s statement aids in the idea of impossible perfection. No two

people are alike in all aspects, and one should search their inner-self before engaging in a

second half. Once one has enough confidence in one’s identity, then they are free to find

a carbon copy, or an opposing creative mind. The beauty of art is that it causes depth in a
friendship and causes changes in perspective. Even now, from one single thought, a flood

of opinions is being expressed by a single entity. Opposition, whether self inflicted or

can be beautiful, and true beauty is only created through hardship.