Beat Generation

Literature, art and music embodied the culture of the Beat Generation. Sex, drugs, and alcohol were out in the open and did not necessarily have to be talked about in private. Rejections of materialism and acceptance of free thought were being promoted through literature, art and music. A new way of culture emerged during this period and in many ways emerged with the existing culture.

Music and drugs gave the beat philosophy more popularity. Beats used music as a way of expressing their emotions and political aspirations. Jazz was closely associated with the Beat movement. The word 'beat' was used by Jazz musicians as "a slang term meaning down and out, or poor and exhausted" (Janssen). This close association became popular on the streets of New York in the 1940's and quickly spread all over the country. Jazz musicians and the Beats both shared similar lingo, and both the musicians and writers were perusing something new, something different, something exciting (Janssen). Musicians broke away from traditional classical music and gospel hymns and turned to jazz which was more exhilarating, sensual, and electrifying. This sensational feeling gave rise to the use of heroin. The transition is thought to have led to artists' gradually reliance on heroin and other drugs. They were "...hoping that the drugs would do for them what they supposedly did for greats..." (Janssen). Undoubtedly, the Beat Generation was influenced by Jazz; however, those influences did not necessarily lead to positive examples since the usage of drugs also grew as a result.

Art of this literary period had bright colors that were not colored inside of the lines. It was a way promoting people to different and not restrict themselves. The Beats did not want to give themselves guidelines or procedures as to how create and present art. Modesty was definitely not part of the art. Artists viewed their art as a free method of expression with no direction. Many paintings and drawings were not meant to be straightforward and beautiful because they were to be interpreted by the individual looking at them. The art was contemporary. Art was a method by which the Beat presented their philosophy. Joseph Ferris was an artist of the time who used vibrant colors as well as askew lines. His approach was to be different and more importantly stand out (beat museum). His color choice is representative of the happiness which was strived for and the lines show how he did not have to follow the laws of how everything is seen by the naked eye. Another artist of this era is Michael Bowen. He produced art during the 1950's which practiced similar techniques that Ferris did. He exemplified rebelliousness through abstract images. It symbolized him 'thinking outside of the box', along with seeing his surroundings from a different perspective.

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