Sol LeWitt's Creative Manifesto to Eva Hesse: Embrace the Absurd

In a heartfelt letter from 1965, artist Sol LeWitt offers profound guidance to sculptor Eva Hesse, who was grappling with creative block and self-doubt after moving to Germany. LeWitt's advice is a passionate call to action, urging Hesse to abandon overthinking and embrace the absurdity and spontaneity of her art. He encourages her to say 'Fuck You' to the world and to stop worrying about perfection or societal expectations. Instead, she should dive into her work with abandon, creating 'real nonsense' and allowing her 'weird humor' to guide her.

LeWitt emphasizes the importance of doing rather than thinking, suggesting that creativity thrives when one lets go of the need for control and perfection. He advises Hesse to create bad work as a means to unlock greatness, echoing the sentiment that failure is a stepping stone to success. His letter is not just a personal encouragement but a universal manifesto for artists to trust their instincts and pursue their unique vision without self-imposed limitations.

LeWitt shares his own struggles with artistic self-doubt, describing his process of 'Agonizing Reappraisal' where he challenges and reinvents his work. He reassures Hesse that such turmoil is part of the creative journey, pushing artists to new heights. The letter concludes with a powerful reminder that she has the power to shock herself and create anything, reinforcing his belief in her talent.

This correspondence had a lasting impact on Hesse, who went on to create 'Hang-Up,' a sculpture that embodied LeWitt's advice by embracing absurdity and extreme emotion. Their friendship and mutual influence continued until Hesse's untimely death in 1970, after which LeWitt honored her legacy with 'Wall Drawing 46,' a piece that marked a significant shift in his artistic style, inspired by Hesse's influence.