Ellen Key: 'The more horrifying this world becomes, the more art becomes abstract.'

The more horrifying this world becomes, the more art becomes abstract.

Ellen Key, a Swedish writer and feminist, once said, "The more horrifying this world becomes, the more art becomes abstract." At first glance, this quote seems to suggest that as the world becomes more filled with horrors and turmoil, artists turn to abstract forms of expression as a means to cope or escape from the harsh realities of life. This interpretation highlights the significance of art as a vehicle for emotional release and a medium to transcend the limitations of the human experience. However, delving deeper into the realms of philosophy and artistic interpretation, we can explore a curious concept that captures the essence of Key's quote – the concept of aesthetic dissonance.Aesthetic dissonance is a relatively new philosophical notion that examines the relationship between art and the disturbing aspects of reality. It delves into the idea that in an increasingly disconcerting world, artists find solace and meaning by combining elements of beauty with elements of grotesque or unsettling imagery. This intriguing theory suggests that by juxtaposing these conflicting elements, artists attempt to confront the horrifying aspects of the world while still retaining a sense of beauty and harmony within their work.To fully comprehend the importance of aesthetic dissonance, let us contemplate the works of a renowned abstract artist, Salvador Dali. Dali's surrealistic paintings often feature distorted figures, melting landscapes, and surreal encounters. These seemingly random and grotesque elements evoke a sense of unease and provoke the viewer to question the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Dali's art encompasses the notion of aesthetic dissonance by presenting us with a distorted reality that reflects the horrors of the world in an abstract and captivating manner. The viewers can simultaneously experience the repulsion and fascination that arises from encountering the grotesque alongside the beautiful.Moreover, the influence of aesthetic dissonance can also be observed in the art of music. Avant-garde composers like Igor Stravinsky and Arnold Schoenberg challenged traditional tonality and harmonies, introducing dissonant chords and unconventional sounds into their compositions. These dissonant elements create a sense of tension and discomfort, mirroring the chaos and disarray found in the world. Through their music, these composers embraced the horrifying aspects of reality and transformed them into abstract, thought-provoking pieces that simultaneously captivate and disturb the listener.While the popularity of abstract art and avant-garde music may seem niche or perplexing to some, understanding the underlying philosophy of aesthetic dissonance allows us to appreciate the unique role that abstract art plays in our society. It serves as a reflection of the world's complexities, allowing artists to communicate ideas and emotions that may be difficult to express through traditional, representational forms. By divorcing their works from the constraints of reality, artists create a space for interpretation and introspection, challenging viewers to confront their own emotions and perceptions.In conclusion, Ellen Key's quote, "The more horrifying this world becomes, the more art becomes abstract," encapsulates the intriguing concept of aesthetic dissonance. As we navigate the unsettling realities of our world, artists continue to create abstract works that embrace the beauty and ugliness existing simultaneously. Through the combination of aesthetics and dissonance, artists challenge our preconceived notions and offer a unique perspective on the complexities of life. So, the next time you encounter a piece of abstract art or listen to a dissonant melody, remember the profound connection between art and the horrifying aspects of the world – a connection that allows us to find solace, hope, and understanding in the abstraction.