There are certain writers that are widely read and reread. Their works resound with us to the extent that their names are made into adjectives and used to describe concepts, events and art forms. Franz Kafka was a writer like this and Kafkaesque art reflects qualities found in his works such as alienation and situations that are surreal and yet affect us intimately.
There was a tension in the works of Kafka that is found in much of the work of modern artists. He was able to combine a sense of yearning with futility and impossibility. He was a writer but he used to draw as well and many of his doodles expressed the same angst found in his writing. His stark drawings often grace the covers of his books.
The imagery used in his works is dark, whether this is a giant device used for torture and capital punishment by the military, a human turned into a huge insect or an artist starving himself to death. This dark imagery has also given artists on all sorts of art forms impetus. Their images reflect the alienation of man and his anxiety as he deals with a world that is dehumanized.
Metamorphosis is a work of Kafka that has a great influence. It deals with the possibility of transmogrifying from one form to another. When a human being is changed into a large insect, he faces various conflicts. We inevitably start to think about change and our own identity. This kind of thought stimulates artistic expression. We see paintings where humans are depicted as insects and others wear insects have human qualities.
Symbolism is important in all art forms. Kafka used much symbolism in his works. In his work about an artist starving himself, he places him in a cage. The cage is symbolic of his alienation and isolation from the rest of humanity. The symbolism can be interpreted in different ways and in great works of art, the symbolism allows this too. The viewers have to use their own imaginations to interpret.
Kafka was also known for his manipulation of language and use of ambiguity. This was often so pronounced that translators have difficulty translating his works. This use of ambiguity leads to readers searching for meaning. Paintings in this vein also need to be deciphered for hidden messages.
The themes found in the works of Kafka have infiltrated into so many areas of our modern world. Photographers, artists, musicians and even game players have found inspiration in his works, whether directly or indirectly. The themes of struggle, despair, isolation, yearning and absurdity are all presented in different ways by these artists but the central concepts are the same.
One of the most important aspects of works like this, whatever form they come in, is that they force us to face the complexities and ambiguities of our world. This is a world where we often do not have answers and things are often not clear. Such works help us to live with the complexities of our modern existence. Works like this are available for purchase online.
There was a tension in the works of Kafka that is found in much of the work of modern artists. He was able to combine a sense of yearning with futility and impossibility. He was a writer but he used to draw as well and many of his doodles expressed the same angst found in his writing. His stark drawings often grace the covers of his books.
The imagery used in his works is dark, whether this is a giant device used for torture and capital punishment by the military, a human turned into a huge insect or an artist starving himself to death. This dark imagery has also given artists on all sorts of art forms impetus. Their images reflect the alienation of man and his anxiety as he deals with a world that is dehumanized.
Metamorphosis is a work of Kafka that has a great influence. It deals with the possibility of transmogrifying from one form to another. When a human being is changed into a large insect, he faces various conflicts. We inevitably start to think about change and our own identity. This kind of thought stimulates artistic expression. We see paintings where humans are depicted as insects and others wear insects have human qualities.
Symbolism is important in all art forms. Kafka used much symbolism in his works. In his work about an artist starving himself, he places him in a cage. The cage is symbolic of his alienation and isolation from the rest of humanity. The symbolism can be interpreted in different ways and in great works of art, the symbolism allows this too. The viewers have to use their own imaginations to interpret.
Kafka was also known for his manipulation of language and use of ambiguity. This was often so pronounced that translators have difficulty translating his works. This use of ambiguity leads to readers searching for meaning. Paintings in this vein also need to be deciphered for hidden messages.
The themes found in the works of Kafka have infiltrated into so many areas of our modern world. Photographers, artists, musicians and even game players have found inspiration in his works, whether directly or indirectly. The themes of struggle, despair, isolation, yearning and absurdity are all presented in different ways by these artists but the central concepts are the same.
One of the most important aspects of works like this, whatever form they come in, is that they force us to face the complexities and ambiguities of our world. This is a world where we often do not have answers and things are often not clear. Such works help us to live with the complexities of our modern existence. Works like this are available for purchase online.
No comments:
Post a Comment