Goethe's 'Dr. Faust, The Tragedy' and Iconic Realism

Photo from Google Images

In his play, Faust: The Tragedy (Faust. Der Tragödie), Johann Wolfgang von Goethe provides an illustration of iconic realism in that he places an iconic character, Mephistopheles, representing the complexities of evil/negation in the presence of the realistic, emotionally charged character, Dr. Faust, who struggles with his own perception of a quality human experience.

The disguised Mephistopheles makes a deal with Faust, and cultural lessons unfold. In the end, through the interactions of the feminine character, Gretchen, Mephistopheles, and Faust, an unlikely trio, Goethe elucidates his audience of redeeming cultural virtues of honesty, integrity, and perseverance.

Feeling and Realism in Artistic Expression (Click here to view an example of art and reality.)

Bill Shannon's 'Crutch[es]'

photo from Duck Duck Go Images from kqed.org

 

Artistic choice enables the audience to experience an historical and emotional bond with the artist. For example, if pleasure and pain are derived through the senses, then the realism with which an artist chooses to place an iconic representation will provide the audience and the artist certain sensory stimuli to which the audience responds through the experience of consciously receiving the artistic renderings (Lakatos 39). One connects with artistic expression by responding to the extension of the artist. Thus, the artist and the audience become collaborators in their interpretation of the presented work of art.

In the example of Bill Shannon's "Crutch", he explains the varying responsive communication between artist and audience. He demonstrates iconic realism in the following manner. He uses a crutch, an icon for limitation, and turns it into a vehicle of mastery, leverage, competence, and capability. Brilliant!