Nonsense and Uselessness In Art
Updated: Oct 4
"My fellow writers, do not concern yourselves with AI taking over legitimately human artistic works. In the dance of logic and life, AI is a creation of pure calculation, bound by the elegant but unyielding architecture of logic gates.
It is a construct of precision, where each decision is a cascade of binary choices, a realm where ambiguity and irrationality have no foothold. Yet, true consciousness—our ancient and enigmatic companion—emerges not from the sterile corridors of logic but from the primordial depths of sensation, intuition, and emotion.
Millennia ago, before reason carved its path through the wilderness of the mind, consciousness stirred, a flicker born of chaos and feeling, not calculation.
AI, with all its dazzling mimicry, remains tethered to its logical core, unable to cross the chasm between mere processing and the profound experience of being. It can simulate conversation, echo our words, and mirror our actions, but it does so without the spark of awareness that breathes life into our thoughts.
It has no real senses and no feelings. The heart of consciousness beats in rhythms that defy logic, in the irrational, the emotional, and the deeply personal. Until the day when AI can transcend its own logical boundaries, embracing the wild, unpredictable currents of sensation and intuition, it will remain a reflection, a shadow of consciousness—remarkable, but ever incomplete. Therefore our creations remain safe, for the moment. "
The Fluid Nature of Art
Art is perhaps the most expressive and subjective form of communication. Whether through painting, sculpture, music, or literature, it provides a canvas for both profound insights and wild imagination. Unlike many other forms of human endeavor, art often transcends the constraints of logic and necessity.
For example, abstract art can reject the traditional rules of perspective, representation, or even discernible meaning, yet still evoke an emotional or intellectual response. The purpose of art is not always to conform to logical expectations but rather to explore a broader range of human experiences.
Art, in many ways, reveals the paradox of human existence. We seek meaning in the world, yet art often asks us to confront the meaningless or the absurd. It reflects existentialist themes as seen in works that reject traditional forms of coherence, challenging the viewer or reader to find significance in what may appear nonsensical. This duality makes art both powerful and uncanny, as seen in the example of horror fanfiction, which deviates non-horror media into baffling eccentricity and disturbance in creative ways.
The Role of Imagination and Logic in Art
While art can exist outside of logic, the realm of fiction remains an interesting exception. After all, storytelling requires a balance between imagination and internal coherence. This coherence might be unique to the respective work of fiction. For instance, the work can involve fantastical elements, but it must remain consistent within the world it builds. This is seen in the game Final Fantasy 6, with its absurdist, genocidal villain, Lord Kefka.
This need for internal logic is what separates effective world-building from utterly-illogical storytelling. If a narrative lacks structure, the audience's interest can break down, leading to plot holes and narrative inconsistencies. It can also make them feel they are wasting their time.
One only has to look at works like Tolkien’s Middle-earth or The Suikoden World to see how imagination can be grounded to internal, human-devised logic. These worlds, while entirely fictional, are grounded in a set of rules that guide their operations. As one could deduce, the importance of rules goes beyond the mere control on a society.
Without such rules, the reader would find the stories confusing and ultimately unsatisfactory. This demonstrates that while art can flirt with nonsense, fiction, as an art form, demands a certain adherence to structure.
In contrast, much of modern visual art has departed from this need for coherence. Paintings like Kazimir Malevich’s 'Black Square' or installations like Marcel Duchamp’s 'Fountain' reject what many would consider to be notions of beauty.
They confront viewers with the absurd, pushing them to question the very definitions of art itself. While some would argue that this elevates the intellectual dialogue around art, along with the critique of art itself, others may see it as reducing art to mere provocation without depth (AKA superficiality).
Art and Its Therapeutic Benefits
While art may not always serve a logical purpose, its value cannot be dismissed purely on that basis. Therefore, logic by itself is not always enough as a tool for knowledge. One of the most profound impacts of art is its ability to facilitate emotional expression and healing.
Art therapy is a well-recognized form of treatment, helping individuals process emotions and experiences that are difficult to articulate verbally. Through the act of creation, individuals can explore their inner worlds and communicate feelings that may be too complex or painful to express in words.
In this context, art transcends its aesthetic value, becoming a tool for psychological healing. This form of art doesn’t require logic or rationality—it requires authenticity. Whether the art produced is nonsensical or abstract, its value lies in the therapeutic process rather than in any external meaning or utility.
The Shift Towards Digital Art and Accessibility
With the rise of the internet, art has become more accessible than ever before. No longer confined to galleries or museums, digital platforms like DeviantArt and Behance allow artists to share their work with global audiences instantly.
This democratization of art, seen in the world of cinema as well, has been both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it provides a platform for diverse voices and styles that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
On the other hand, it raises questions about the value of art in an age of excessiveness. Digital art platforms showcase a staggering amount of work—so much so that it becomes difficult to discern quality amidst quantity.
The question then arises: in an age where art is so readily available, does it still hold the same cultural weight?
When anyone with a smartphone can create and share their work, the lines between masterful artistry and hobbyist creation become blurred. Some argue that this is the natural evolution of art, while others contend that it devalues the very concept of artistic mastery. Exploring platforms like Creative Bloq can provide insights into how digital tools are shaping the future of art.
The Problem of Interpretation in Art
Art, as a form of communication, often thrives on its ambiguity. A single painting or sculpture can evoke countless interpretations, each influenced by the viewer’s personal experiences and perceptions.
Take, for instance, Yves Klein’s monochromatic works or Barnett Newman’s color field paintings. To some, these are profound expressions of emotion, while to others, they seem little more than blocks of color with no discernible meaning. This ambiguity is both a strength and a weakness. While it allows for a wide range of interpretations, it also raises the question of whether art must communicate something specific or whether its value lies solely in its ability to evoke a reaction.
The Role of Art in Society: Aesthetic or Functional?
Art's role in society often swings between two poles: the aesthetic and the functional. On the one hand, art is a celebration of beauty, creativity, and the great. It serves no practical purpose other than to evoke emotion, challenge perspectives, or offer a moment of reflection.
On the other hand, certain forms of art—such as branding or graphic design —are deeply rooted in functionality. Logos, flags, and symbols are all essential for building identity and recognition, whether for a corporation, a nation, an individual and even to a philosophy.
This dichotomy raises the question of whether art can retain its purity in a world where functionality often trumps aesthetic value. The commercialization of art has led to the rise of art as a product of consumerism, where artists create not for the sake of expression, but for the demands of the market. In this sense, art becomes an item like any other. In this financial regard, its value is determined by its marketability rather than its intrinsic beauty or meaning.
Entertainment and Graphics
Movies and video games require art and graphics for visual appeal, but visuals alone do not define the quality of a piece...
Take, for instance, The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars' Episode 9. Despite stunning special effects and visual prowess, the film was poorly received due to its narrative shortcomings. That was along with the rest of the Disney's Sequel trilogy.
This illustrates how art, in isolation, doesn’t guarantee success. A deeper look at visual culture in cinema highlights the balance needed between visual and narrative elements to create impactful entertainment. Similarly, Game Developers may explore how art and storytelling intertwine to enhance the gaming experience.
Conclusion: The Future of Art in a World Focused on Logic
While art undoubtedly has its merits, its role seems limited when it fails to serve a clear function.
Beyond branding or communicating a message, it often feels ornamental, therefore not of much worth.
Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate the necessity of certain professions and forms of art in our modern society.
As we move forward, recognizing the difference between artistic creativity and functional purpose will allow us to better understand the evolving nature of art.
Exploring the future of art in the modern world can provide further feedback.
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