Xinwei Jia

Derived from Camus’s work “The Myth of Sisyphus,” the notion of the absurd man encapsulates one who acknowledges eternity yet takes no action towards it. The absurd man emerges within the realms of character and daily background, possessing a profound understanding of an inevitably bleak future. In a contemporary landscape marked by increasing homogenisation and fragmentation, the persistent freedom, rebellion, passion, and resistance of absurd individuals offer a potent response to the alienation pervasive in modern daily life. In my exploration of absurdity, I delved into philosophical and spiritual suicide. This literary work is a tripartite endeavour, intertwining a science fiction narrative I crafted, a visually distilled representation of Camus’s series of essays on absurdity, and a speculative and contextual construction of the absurd persona within the modern milieu.

Structured across four distinct phases of existence — “Love Eternity,” “Fate Play,” “Temporary Success,” and “Outside Designer” — this compilation delves into intimate relationships, societal role-playing, the nuanced understanding of success, and the intricacies of artistic creation. Against the backdrop of post-modern irrationality, absurdity, and everyday aesthetics, the absurd man emerges as a guide, adept at confronting these complex problems. Through my visual rendering of Camus’s concept of the absurd man, those grappling with despair, anxiety, and despondency within modern existence are encouraged to revisit the alienated contradictions and absurdities intrinsic to both themselves and our shared daily lives. Much like Sisyphus, who embraced his fate with a certain serenity, the absurd individual stoically embraces the paradox of being trapped within the confines of the inescapable absurdity.