Life is painful, nasty and short... In my case it has only been painful and nasty

Life is painful, nasty and short... In my case it has only been painful and nasty

Djuna Barnes, an American writer and artist known for her avant-garde style and exploration of themes such as sexuality, gender, and the human condition, once famously said, “Life is painful, nasty and short... In my case it has only been painful and nasty.” This quote encapsulates the dark and often bleak outlook that Barnes had on life, which is reflected in much of her work.

Born in 1892, Barnes lived through a tumultuous time in history, experiencing two world wars, the Great Depression, and significant social and political upheaval. These events undoubtedly shaped her worldview and influenced her writing, which often delved into the darker aspects of human existence. Barnes was known for her unconventional and experimental writing style, which challenged traditional literary norms and pushed boundaries in terms of subject matter and form.