Lonesome in a Happy World: Red (Oni) Genotiva

Lonesome in a Happy World
by Nikka Lindo

In his philosophical essay The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus narrates his understanding of absurdity through the punishment the gods dealt Sisyphus. For his trickery and contempt, Sisyphus was condemned to an endless exertion towards a naught accomplishment—pushing a boulder from the depths of the underworld to the top of a mountain only for it to fall back down. All Sisyphus can do is to watch as the boulder plummets and make his descent. However, during this time, there is a brief pause from the torment. Sisyphus becomes fully conscious of his futile condition and that is what he thinks of during his downward climb but, being the rebel that he is, he pushes on. He who is lucid of his torture champions absurdity. Camus believes that absurdity and happiness are inseparable, so while Sisyphus’ descent towards the boulder only to push it back up the summit is sometimes performed in sadness, it can also be performed in joy. Today, the life of the proletariat is no less absurd and repetitive. But if we are to believe in Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus is an invitation to accept failures and accomplishments all the same and to continue to indulge in life despite its elusive absurdity.

When he is not making humorous socio-political commentary through art, Red Genotiva references his emotional experiences. The results of which are works that embody and illustrate internal conflict. The paintings featured in Lonesome in a Happy World explore a narrative of sadness and self-doubt juxtaposed with the playful use of color and atmosphere. The saturated pinks and blues set against the backdrop of a serene landscape can easily misdirect spectators from what is underneath. The children, avatars for the artist’s emotions, wear tired and somber expressions but are still unceasingly at play. In their little playground, the children are conscious of their limits, but they rebel against it by continuing to amuse themselves with costumes and toys. Just as one must imagine Sisyphus happy, we too must imagine Red Genotiva’s characters to be the same.