Creativity out of nothing

In medieval times art works were not signed. They have always been exhibited as ‘anonymous’. It was considered to be inappropriate to claim to be the creator of a work as creation could only be performed by higher forces. Humans could at best imitate creation. Creation out of nothing - creatio ex nihilo - was not accessible to artists. (Safranski p 225ff)

More recently, artists claim to be authors and originators of their work. Copyright is enforced. Plagiarism is discouraged and originality is required. Artists and authors may go to great lengths to cover their tracks if they feel their originality is compromised.

Dependency on the ideas and techniques of others is a basic quality of creative work. Being part of a movement (e.g. Bauhaus) adds to the inspiration and promotes new content and style. Each individual is spurred on by the others. Artists do not thrive in competition or surrounded by hostile relationships towards their work. Cooperation and community are essential conditions for creativity. Living in an alien and antipathetic context stifles art and creativity. Energy is wasted.

The challenge for artists is to create something new but not to deny the dependency on others for crucial aspects of their work. Creation out of nothing carries with it the fear that the derivative work is nothing just like the nothingness it came from and can return to being nothing. “Out of nothing comes nothing.” This insecurity demands the right setting.

Artists and authors have trouble using reason to ground their work, unlike scientists and bankers who can always use instrumental justifications. Art and music are always on the edge of meaninglessness. “What is the point of it?”

Recent research has shown a negative attitude among most people towards creativity. In a supportive context, creative work is safer from the influences of community prejudices. Collective projects can be satisfying and more powerful than individual work.

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