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Art Quote Of The Day – Iris Murdoch

on Sun Jan 12 2025

“All art is a struggle to be, in a particular sort of way, virtuous.” – Iris Murdoch

The Virtuous Struggle: When Art Meets Existential Dilemmas

Ah, art! That wonderful, twisted, beautiful mess of colors, chaos, and caffeine-fueled creativity. It has been said that all art is a struggle to be, in a particular sort of way, virtuous. But what exactly does that mean? Let’s dive into this delightful paradox, shall we?

Picture this: You’re a painter in your studio, surrounded by canvas and chaos. Your paintbrush feels like an extension of your soul, and each stroke dances between brilliance and utter disaster. As your masterpiece—or what resembles something that might survive the scrutiny of the art world—starts to take shape, you find yourself wrestling with not just colors, but also moral quandaries. Is your art too commercial? Have you sold your soul for a cookie-cutter piece that will fit stylishly above a wealthy neighbor’s fireplace? The struggle is real, my friends!

Virtue in art often becomes a white whale of sorts—elusive, mesmerizing, and perhaps a bit maddening. Just as Captain Ahab pursued Moby Dick with a fervor, artists chase their own concepts of virtue. What does it mean to create art that is good and just? Is it in the themes we choose or the integrity we uphold? Here’s a helpful hint: both!

Some artists lean towards the socially conscious, crafting pieces that provoke thought and inspire change, while others indulge in the beautifully absurd—all while sipping organic herbal tea and listening to a curated playlist of whale sounds. It’s a beautiful struggle, isn’t it? But hold on to your berets; we’re not done yet!

Let’s not forget about the critics—the guardians of virtue in art. They clutch their cups of artisanal coffee like shields while dissecting your work with the precision of a surgeon and the charm of an aunt at a family reunion. “Is this piece really challenging societal norms, or is it just a glorified splatter of paint?” they muse. Ouch! But here’s the kicker: art can be both. It can challenge, it can heal, and it can simply be a delightful explosion of creativity that doesn’t care what the establishment thinks.

So what does this all boil down to? The journey of creating art is akin to navigating an obstacle course while blindfolded and on roller skates. It’s messy, unpredictable, and filled with moments of sheer joy and despair. Every artist will tell you that true virtue lies not in perfection but in authenticity—the courage to put something out into the world that reflects your inner thoughts, however chaotic they might be.

In the end, remember that the pursuit of virtue in art is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the struggle, relish in the creative chaos, and, when in doubt, throw in a dab of glitter. Because while all art may indeed be a struggle for virtue, it’s also a testament to our collective human experience—beautifully messy, unapologetically real, and full of surprises around every corner.

Now, pick up that paintbrush or pen and let the virtuous struggle begin!