Katherine Kurdyak
The Role of the Artist: Philosophy in Song
Mentor: Dr. Darcy Otto
| What is the role of the artist? As a professional musician, I set out to explore how artists can create societal change and find meaning in their work beyond profit and fame. I examine this question by looking at philosophical texts from the Ancient Greeks, Adorno & Horkheimer, Nietzsche, and Marcuse. Through an analysis of an original song, “Running Out of Time,” I show how pop music can incorporate philosophical ideals. The role of the artist is to cultivate critical thinking, creativity and subjective liberation. Through radical self-expression, artists lead by example and facilitate empathy in others. |
