Exploring Existential Crisis: A Comparison of Gauguin's "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" and Billie Eilish's "What was I made for?"
In the world of art, the exploration of existential questions has been a recurring theme across mediums and time periods. Two distinct yet interconnected artworks that express these sentiments of inquiries of human existence come to mind: Paul Gauguin's masterpiece "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" and Billie Eilish's haunting song "What Was I Made For?" Both of these works share a deep introspection that invites viewers and listeners to contemplate life's big questions.
Origins & Identity
Gauguin's painting, created in the late 19th century, depicts a group of figures in various stages of life, surrounded by symbolic elements. The painting is a contemplation on the cycle of life, from birth to death, and human existence itself. Each character within the painting seems to contemplate their own existence and place in the universe, prompting viewers to ponder the origins of humanity and the essence of identity. Similarly, Eilish's evocative lyrics in "What Was I Made For?" echo this sentiment, as she grapples with questions of origin and self-discovery, yearning to unravel the mysteries of her own identity.
In contrast, Eilish's song, released in the 21st century, reflects more on personal identity and purpose, with lyrics that ponder the meaning of life and the individual's place in the world. Whereas Gaugain seems to contemplate general human existence and the direction it’s headed.
Purpose & Destiny
As we gaze upon Gauguin's grand tableau, we witness a profound search for purpose and meaning in life. The figures' introspective gazes and contemplative poses invite us to reflect on our own existence and the quest for a higher purpose. The questions posed in the title itself "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" provoke the viewer to ask these questions not only of the figures represented but of themselves.
Eilish's haunting vocals and introspective lyrics in "What Was I Made For?" resonate with this existential quest, as she confronts the uncertainties of her own destiny and the relentless pursuit of purpose amidst existential turmoil, an angst many of us experience through the highs and lows encountered in life.
Billie Eilish and brother, Finneas O'Connell, wrote the melancholy ballad "What was I made for?" for the 2023 "Barbie" movie, (another significant discussion of identity in its own right, but we'll save that for another time.)
Eilish said as she accepted an award at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Awards Gala in January. “I want to dedicate to anyone who experiences hopelessness and the feeling of existential dread and feeling like, what’s the point and why am I here and why am I doing this for?”
Existential Identity Crisis
The concept of an existential identity crisis is central to both works. Gauguin's figures seem to be in a state of introspection, questioning their existence and the meaning of life. Eilish's lyrics convey a sense of existential angst, with lines like "What was I made for?" echoing the uncertainty and questioning that often accompanies such a crisis. As we contemplate the intricate details of Gauguin's composition and the haunting melodies of Eilish's song, we are reminded of our shared human experience and the universal quest for meaning and fulfillment.
Conclusion
In the tapestry of human existence, art serves as a mirror reflecting the depths of our collective consciousness and interconnectedness. The comparison between Gauguin's painting and Eilish's song highlights the timeless nature of art in exploring the complexities of the human experience. While separated by time and medium, both works invite viewers and listeners to reflect on their own origins, identity, purpose, and destiny, making them poignant pieces of art that resonate across generations.
You are not alone, we are all lost together.
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