"In a decaying society, art, if it is truthful, must also reflect decay. And unless it wants to break faith with its social function, art must show the world as changeable. And help to change it"
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Ernst Fischer's quote offers a profound commentary on the function of art in society, especially in times of decline or shift. The assertion begins with the concept that in a "decaying society", any art that strives to be truthful need to undoubtedly mirror that decay. This suggests that art can not exist in a vacuum; it is invariably influenced by the cultural, political, and social truths surrounding it. In minutes of social degeneration, whether due to moral, ecological, or political decrease, art has the responsibility to authentically represent these conditions. It should brighten the fractures and fissures disrupting social harmony, challenging audiences to face unpleasant realities.
Furthermore, Fischer argues that art, needs to it intend to preserve its stability and social significance, needs to depict the world as "adjustable". This highlights art's potential as an agent of transformation and its ability to motivate modification by capturing the fluid nature of society. The focus on changeability is important; it suggests hope and possibility amidst the decay, showing that the present conditions are not fixed but rather evolvable.
Art, in this sense, plays a dual function: it mirrors the present state of the world while simultaneously working as a driver for change. It does not passively accept the status quo but rather actively engages with it, provoking thought, conversation, and action. By providing the world as dynamic, art motivates its audience to visualize and pursue a much better future. Fischer's statement underscores the belief that art's supreme social function is to concern, obstacle, and eventually assist reshape the world. Through this lens, art ends up being an effective vehicle for socio-political engagement and an important tool for awakening cumulative consciousness, fostering empathy, and promoting for reform.
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