Phenomenon of Fear: Reflection in Fine Arts of The 20th – Early 21st Century (Cultural Aspect)

In: Visnyk Nacionalʹnoi͏̈ akademii͏̈ kerivnych kadriv kulʹtury i mystectv: National Academy of Managerial Staff of Culture and Arts herald, Heft 1

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyse the phenomenon of fear from the standpoint of phenomenology and existentialism, to examine the reflection of fear in European and Ukrainian art of the 20th and early 21st centuries. The research methodology includes the general scientific principles of systematisation and generalisation of the problem under study, which made it possible to identify and scientifically substantiate existing theories, conceptual approaches to understanding the phenomenon of fear, such as "metaphysical fear", "existential fear", "ontic fear", "spiritual fear", and "moral fear". The phenomenological method allowed us to study the internal nature of fear, in particular, different states of fear: anxiety, fear, horror. The historical and cultural approach has been used to examine the evolution of fear theories from ancient times to the present. A significant role in understanding the phenomenon of fear is played by an interdisciplinary approach, which allowed us to analyse this phenomenon with the wide involvement of the scientific achievements of a number of humanities, including cultural studies, philosophy, aesthetics, art history, and psychology. The scientific novelty lies in the cultural analysis of reflections in the fine arts of the 20th and early 21st centuries on the phenomenon of fear. Conclusions. The tragedy of human destiny is expressed in such philosophical terms as fear (Kierkegaard, Jaspers, Heidegger), nausea, anxiety (Sartre), longing, boredom (Camus). The ontological significance of such mental states lies in the collision of consciousness with nothingness, with the abyss of existence. Metaphysical fear is related to time. Temporality is the main characteristic of human existence. Fear always appears to us in two guises: as a useful warning and at the same time as an obstacle. In a state of fear, a person faces the abyss of Nothingness. Those who experience existential fear feel the emptiness between themselves and the world of everyday relationships. However, it is only by experiencing fear and a sense of abandonment in the world that one finds true freedom. The theme of fear has inspired and continues to inspire many artists of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Unlike artists of previous generations, they try to show fear in their works. The fine arts of this period can be called an encyclopaedia of symptoms of fear, pain, and horror. Fear motivates us to act, to create. Therefore, the role that fear plays in our lives depends on the role we allow it to play. We can try to resist the impulses that cause fear to manifest, and we can try to replace fear with hope. Hope is stronger than fear because it is active and free from any bondage. The charge of hope expands a person's capabilities, not limits them. The more opportunities and creative potential a person has, the less fear they experience.