This painting is the first (of three) from a series influenced by the writings of Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860), a German philosopher whose work explored the nature of human existence, suffering, and the transformative power of art. In his major work, ‘The World as Will and Representation’ , Schopenhauer argued that reality is driven by a blind, ceaseless force he called the Will—an unconscious striving that underlies everything in the world, from nature to human desire. According to him, life is defined by an endless cycle of craving and dissatisfaction: we suffer when we do not have what we want, and even when we do, satisfaction is fleeting before new desires take hold. However, Schopenhauer also saw a temporary escape from this suffering: aesthetic experience. Through art, music, and contemplation, we can detach from our personal desires and glimpse a deeper, more timeless reality. In these moments, we are no longer slaves to the Will but become pure observers, absorbed in beauty for its own sake. In this series, William Watson-West explores Schopenhauer’s vision through three interconnected themes: Will, Aesthetics, and The Charming. Taken together, these works invite the viewer on a journey—one that mirrors our own struggles with longing, fulfillment, and the search for something beyond the cycle of wanting. Whether or not we accept Schopenhauer’s bleak view of existence, his belief in the power of art remains strikingly relevant: that through deep engagement with beauty, we may momentarily step outside ourselves and experience the world in a new and profound way.
"The inner essence of everything." – Schopenhauer
This painting embodies the fundamental force at the heart of existence: the Will. Schopenhauer described Will as an unconscious, ceaseless striving that underlies all things, leading to an endless cycle of desire and suffering. In this piece, the artist captures this tension through a balance of satisfaction and torment, evoking a sense of yearning and uncertainty.
Dark indigo and turquoise dominate the canvas, creating a moody, introspective atmosphere, while areas of light emerge as glimpses of hope—perhaps an illusion, or a doorway to another realm. The painting itself acts as a lure, drawing the viewer in, inciting an urge to decipher its meaning. This mirrors our struggle to make sense of existence, an effort that Schopenhauer saw as ultimately futile.
However, the act of painting itself becomes a form of transcendence—a momentary liberation from the Will. The artist immerses themselves in the process, stepping beyond rational thought into an instinctual, subconscious state, echoing Schopenhauer’s belief that true artistic creation arises not from calculated effort but from pure intuition.
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