Saturday, July 26, 2014

The Themes Of Kafkaesque Art

By Miranda Sweeney


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.

His works often have an almost dangerous quality and disorientating complexity. Despite a sense of futility and impossibility, there is also a sense of yearning. Kafka used to create doodles that reflected the same tension as his writing. Many of these drawings have been used on his book covers.

Kafka uses dark imagery and absurdity in his works. Whether it is an artist who starves himself, a man transformed into a large insect, or a giant machine used as a device for capital punishment by the military, these images have provided the spark for many paintings and photographs. They reflect the anxiety of man in a dehumanized world and the alienation of individuals.

The notion of life transmuting from one form or identity to another is found in a work called Metamorphosis. A human finds himself changed into a large insect. This story makes us think deeply about our own identity and what we consider to be stable or fixed. Thinking like this helps artists to create innovative artworks. People are depicted as insects or as being machine-like. Insects are shown with human qualities. This creates an unease and a sense of uncertainty as well as of potential danger.

Symbolism is important in any art and the work of Kafka is filled with it. For example, a cage symbolizes entrapment, alienation and isolation from others. The use of symbolism introduces mystery and offers the possibility of different interpretations. Those who enjoy this type of artistic expression are required to use their own imaginations to interpret what is represented.

Ambiguity or double meanings are another way to introduce suspense and uncertainty. Kafka was brilliant at manipulating language to introduce ambiguity. Paintings of this nature have the same ambiguity and one can look at them time and time again to try and decipher hidden meanings.

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.

The complexity of the works of Kafka invites us as readers to actively participate in interpreting them. His ambiguity, symbolism and the fact that he does not present answers is something we can relate to in a world that often does not have any answers for us. Whatever art form it takes, this type of expression forces us out of complacent viewing and makes us active participants in the search for meaning.




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