Foucault and the Artist as a Source of Meaning

In his essay What is an Author? Foucault argues against the notion that authorship is a unified and intentional source of meaning in a text or work of art. He explores the greater significance and philosophy of authorship over the label or ownership of a name and how their contributions can transcend the intended or personal meaning.

“Writing unfolds like a game that inevitably moves beyond its own rules and finally leaves them behind. Thus, the essential basis of this writing is not the exalted emotions related to the act of composition or the insertion of a subject into language. Rather, it is primarily concerned with creating an opening where the writing subject endlessly disappears."

In this sense, the writer produces not only their own work but also creates the indefinite possibility of work by others and supports new rules of formation. Historical art movements are created similarly, directed by artists who depart from previously held constraints. Art philosophy develops with each shift of perspectives while engaging with themes of shock and controversy, followed by the resulting social discourse. Foucault's writing and theories are part of the intellectual tradition known as Poststructuralism, which examines meaning in the language and subjectivity of systematically held power structures.

Dutch photographer Martin Roemers recently won an award for his very personal photograph titled, "My parents holding hands after their assisted death." The photo is framed around their pelvis, well dressed, lying side by side with their interwoven hands held tight. The portrait is immediately captivating and beautifully shot in daylight. Shocking feelings rise simultaneously: awe at the intimacy and beauty of lifelong partnership and awe at the tragedy and the disturbing emotions around the public display of death. In the US, especially, an open discussion of the hardships of old age and dying is considered taboo, and the methods of euthanasia are highly controversial. In the Netherlands, assisted dying is legal and possible if you have a very good reason.

Roemers describes the assisted dying experience he witnessed and processed with his parents in an interview with Charlotte Jansen (Guardian 2025). My mother always said: “We will stay with you as long as we can, until we can see no other way out.” In the short time leading up to their death, Roemers asked his parents if he could photograph them afterward and bring the art to a public space, to which they agreed. By creating this photograph, Roemers engages with Foucault's argument that the purpose of the artist or author is to communicate a message beyond a personal intent and the heavy emotions present at the time of their composition. Roemes acknowledges in the interview that when he has shared this photo with close friends, they react by saying it's beautiful, and he agrees that if it were anyone else's parents, he would agree. Yet to him, the photo represents deep personal loss. In this way, Roemers documents and illustrates a dichotomy of complex emotions and invites more possibilities for art on the process of dying.

References:

Foucault, M. (1969). What is an Author?

Jansen, C. (2025, April 16). My parents holding hands after their assisted death. The Guardian.