Catharsis

 

In our contemporary understanding of art, catharsis is shown through the use of ready-made objects and the significance of using them. Danto states, “The artwork is a bed and not a bed-illusion; so, there is nothing like the traumatic encounter against a flat surface that brought it home to the birds of Zeuxis that they had been duped” (1964 pg. 575). Using ready-made objects in an art piece allows the viewer to contemplate meaning and feel various emotions.

An artist who uses ready-made objects to enforce catharsis is Edward Kienholz. Kienholz uses found objects to create scenes, mostly made up of figures, to withhold a political or social ideology. He activates all five senses, including smell, to fully immerse the viewer in the work he has created. Kienholz’s work can be described as unsettling and often leaves the viewer full of emotions.

 Aristotle’s theory can be related to art by recognizing art as a form of replication of humanity. Freeland states, “This tradition involved a misunderstanding since Aristotle maintained that a tragic hero’s character was not flawed. Rather, tragedy should show a good hero who simply made a mistake – out of human frailty – leading to disastrous results” (pg.18, 2003). Good examples of catharsis in art are not to dehumanize or create evil from humanity but rather to bring awareness to tragedy. This can be seen in Mark Rothko's paintings, as he creates big color paintings to confront the viewer's own emotions without any context or meaning, and that was the point. His paintings bring awareness to tragedy.

Freeland, C. (2003). Art Theory. Oxford University Press Academic UK. https://tiffin-bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780191579325

The Journal of Philosophy, Vol. 61, No. 19, American Philosophical Association Eastern Division Sixty- First Annual Meeting. (Oct. 15, 1964), pp. 571-584.