Formalism and Reality in Art

Engagement with Reality

Art serves as a medium through which individuals engage with reality, allowing them to reflect upon or express an idea of what is real. This expression can be analyzed through the phrase "reality is structured like fiction." This concept suggests that reality is influenced and shaped by our ideologies, which dictate how we respond to external circumstances and how these circumstances, in turn, reinforce our ideologies.

Fiction and Ideology in Human Experience

The essence of living according to our ideologies resembles performing within fictional narratives; each person experiences and reacts to their environment through their own constructed ideology, which contributes to a collective perception of reality. This intertwining captures the idea that while we navigate our lives through personal interpretations and beliefs (our own 'fiction'), it is this aggregation that ultimately constitutes our 'real'.

Example Scenario: Dropped Coffee

A practical example demonstrates this idea effectively. Consider a situation where an individual drops a cup of coffee on the sidewalk after consuming its contents. The action appears intentional rather than accidental, as the person continues walking without regard for the littering. The observer's feelings of shock and anger arise from an ideological standpoint that values environmental responsibility. The observer's thoughts, such as questioning the effort required to find a recycling bin, reflect their personal ideology, which is molded by external experiences and societal values. The observer, choosing to pick up the litter instead of confronting the individual, symbolizes how personal ideologies are formed in response to social behaviors.

External Forces and the Formation of Ideology

This observation ties back to previous discussions (as noted in Unit 02) about how ideology shapes emotional responses and behavioral choices in everyday situations. The observer's reaction to the dropped cup is a manifestation of their ideology enveloping both personal belief and the external societal pressures that dictate normativity in behavior. This ideology, alongside their relationships to artistic expressions, defines their reality continuously, blurring the lines between personal experiences and abstract art responses.

Fiction vs. Reality

In this context, it is crucial to acknowledge that 'fiction' does not imply something unreal; rather, it encapsulates one's perceived ideology. It raises the idea that certain constructed beliefs, such as those surrounding the concept of family, are shared amongst society yet hold varied interpretations. The concept of family serves as a poignant example, showcasing how personal, social, and cultural structures fluctuate based on individual and collective ideologies.

Diversity in Family Ideologies

The idea of family exemplifies this variability:

Personal Perspective of Family: Some individuals believe family can include anyone they consider family, transcending genetic ties.
Traditional Perspective of Family: Others may define family strictly by biological connections, regarding it as a natural structure composed solely of traditional familial roles (parents, children, relatives).

Both viewpoints garner supporters and critics, reflecting the ideological diversity present in society. Art can evaluate and express these varying ideas of family, influencing how such constructs feed into the broader societal narrative or 'fiction' surrounding familial relationships.

Influence of Formalism in Film Analysis

Art—particularly within film—can express ideologies surrounding familial constructs through a spectrum between realism and formalism. The positioning of a film on this spectrum influences analysis and interpretation of its presentation of family ideologies. An illustrative case is Star Wars, directed by George Lucas, which is largely categorized as a formalist film. It touches upon themes of family cohesion built from relationships forged through adversity, celebrating the importance of chosen relationships beyond traditional definitions.

Despite its science fiction setting, characterized by the phrase "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away," the narrative reinforces prevailing Western values regarding family and its role in personal success and self-actualization. The analysis here showcases how formalism within film extends beyond mere visuals and narratives, engaging deep conceptual ideologies that challenge and affirm societal beliefs.