Michel Foucault: 'What strikes me is the fact that in our society, art has become something which is only related to objects, and not to individuals, or to life.'

What strikes me is the fact that in our society, art has become something which is only related to objects, and not to individuals, or to life.

In Michel Foucault's insightful quote, he astutely observes the shift in society's perception of art. He highlights the prevailing notion that art has become confined to objects, no longer intimately connected to individuals or to life itself. This thought-provoking statement raises important questions about the role of art in our lives and its impact on our collective consciousness.Art, historically, has served as a profound means of expression, allowing individuals to delve into the depths of their emotions and make sense of the world around them. It has long been associated with the creativity and subjectivity of human beings, enabling them to communicate their experiences, perceptions, and insights. However, Foucault challenges the prevailing notion that art is solely object-oriented, emphasizing the disconnection between art and the human experience.But what does Foucault mean by art being solely related to objects? At first glance, one might interpret it as a criticism of the commercialization of art, where value is placed on the physical artwork rather than the process, intent, or story behind it. This perspective aligns with the increasing commodification of art in contemporary society, where famous artworks are seen as investments rather than as vessels of human expression.However, to bring an unexpected philosophical concept into the mix, let's consider the idea of "aestheticization of life" proposed by another influential philosopher, Walter Benjamin. Benjamin argues that capitalism has transformed not only art but also various aspects of life into commodities. This concept raises intriguing parallels and contrasts to Foucault's observation.While Foucault's quote focuses primarily on the separation of art from individuals and life, Benjamin's concept of the "aestheticization of life" examines the infiltration of capitalist values into all aspects of existence. In this sense, Benjamin suggests that our lives have become mere performances, carefully curated to fit a desired aesthetic, a spectacle to be admired by others. Both Foucault and Benjamin, in their own ways, shed light on the dehumanization caused by the commodification or objectification of art and life.To further explore this idea, let us consider the impact of social media, where individuals often present an idealized version of themselves and their lives. This curated and superficial representation of reality perpetuates the belief that life itself must adhere to a specific objective standard of beauty and success. Similarly, the art produced in such a society becomes detached from the subjective experiences and struggles of individuals, reduced to an object to be consumed and admired.Now, it is essential to critically evaluate the implications of this disconnection between art and individuals. By reducing art to mere objects, we risk losing its transformative power and potential for introspection and social commentary. When art becomes commodified, it loses its ability to challenge and provoke, reinforcing the status quo rather than questioning it.Moreover, the estrangement of art from individuals and life leads to a society that undervalues creativity, subjectivity, and personal expression. It diminishes the role of art as a catalyst for social change and understanding. The vibrant, diverse, and often controversial voices that art can give rise to become silenced in the pursuit of aesthetic perfection and commercial success.In conclusion, Michel Foucault's quote provides a crucial insight into the state of art in our society, where it is often reduced to objects, objectifying and devaluing the artistic expressions of individuals and life itself. Examining this phenomenon along with Walter Benjamin's concept of the "aestheticization of life" further exposes the influence of commodification in not only art but all aspects of existence. By recognizing the consequences of this detachment, we can appreciate the importance of reclaiming art's connection to individuals and life, to foster a society that cherishes subjectivity, creativity, and the transformative power of artistic expression.