The uncanny

Definition

The uncanny refers to a psychological phenomenon where something familiar is rendered strange or unsettling, provoking feelings of discomfort or eeriness. It often arises in situations where the line between reality and the surreal blurs, leading to a profound sense of unease. This concept connects deeply with various artistic expressions, particularly in surrealism, where familiar objects and settings are manipulated to evoke surprise and challenge perceptions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The uncanny often involves familiar settings or objects presented in an unfamiliar way, creating a disorienting experience for the viewer.
2. Freud's essay 'The Uncanny' identifies it as a feeling arising from repressed thoughts resurfacing, evoking both recognition and horror.
3. Artists like Salvador Dalí utilized the uncanny by incorporating dreamlike sequences that make everyday life feel surreal and bizarre.
4. The uncanny can provoke psychological responses that reveal deeper fears and anxieties about identity, reality, and existence.
5. In visual art, techniques such as unexpected contrasts, distorted perspectives, or anthropomorphism can contribute to the creation of uncanny effects.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the uncanny challenge viewers' perceptions in surrealist art?
  • The concept of the uncanny challenges viewers' perceptions in surrealist art by presenting familiar objects or scenes in disorienting ways that provoke discomfort. This manipulation creates a cognitive dissonance where what is recognizable becomes strange, inviting deeper reflection on the nature of reality. Surrealists often use dream logic and unexpected juxtapositions to amplify these feelings, making the familiar feel alien and evoking a sense of unease.
• In what ways does Freud's interpretation of the uncanny enhance our understanding of its impact in art and literature?
  • Freud's interpretation of the uncanny enhances our understanding by connecting it to repressed desires and fears that surface unexpectedly. This psychological perspective suggests that artworks invoking the uncanny tap into subconscious anxieties, making them resonate deeply with audiences. By exploring themes of identity and the familiar turned strange, artists can create narratives that are both personally and universally unsettling, thus enriching their emotional and psychological impact.
• Evaluate how surrealist techniques effectively manifest the uncanny in visual arts and their implications for audience engagement.
  • Surrealist techniques effectively manifest the uncanny through methods like dream imagery, bizarre combinations of objects, and altered realities. These elements force viewers to confront their own subconscious fears and expectations, transforming passive observation into an active emotional experience. The implications for audience engagement are profound; instead of merely viewing art, audiences find themselves immersed in a world that challenges their perceptions of normalcy, encouraging introspection about their own beliefs regarding reality and identity.

Related terms

Surrealism: An artistic movement that sought to unlock the creative potential of the unconscious mind by juxtaposing dreamlike images and unexpected elements.

Freudian Theory:

A psychological framework developed by Sigmund Freud that explores the unconscious mind, including the dynamics of repression, dreams, and the uncanny.

Aesthetic Disturbance: The unsettling effect produced by an artwork that challenges viewers' expectations, often linked to feelings of the uncanny.