Analysis
Introduction and Defamiliarization:
Viktor Shklovsky, a prominent figure in the Russian Formalist movement, articulates a radical concept in "Art as Technique," advocating for defamiliarization or 'ostranenie.' This notion aims to present everyday objects and experiences in a new light, compelling individuals to perceive them afresh. Shklovsky posits that the primary function of art is to estrange the habitual, breaking the monotony of perception and challenging ingrained ways of seeing the world.
He challenges the commonly held belief that "Art is thinking in images," asserting that these images tend to remain static. Shklovsky contends that the continual repetition of these images throughout history diminishes our ability to truly understand an object beyond its primary characteristics. It is through the technique of defamiliarization that art can disrupt this stagnation, presenting familiar objects in an unfamiliar fashion and providing an opportunity for renewed perception. According to Shklovsky, the essence of art is to "impart the sensation of things as they are perceived and not as they are known," making the process of perception an aesthetic end in itself, one that should be deliberately delayed.
Literary Devices and Techniques:
Shklovsky delves into the realm of literary devices to illustrate his argument, emphasizing the need for active engagement with language to achieve defamiliarization. By distorting syntax, phonetic elements, and lexical structures, poetic speech, according to Shklovsky, serves to defer and prolong perception. Practical speech, used for communication, lacks the room for the aesthetic pleasure that art, particularly literature, can provide. Shklovsky supports his claims with examples from Tolstoy, highlighting how Tolstoy's substitution of religious words with the absurd in works like "War and Peace" serves to present familiar themes in an entirely new and defamiliarized manner.
Examples and Influence:
Throughout the essay, Shklovsky extensively quotes Tolstoy to exemplify the technique of defamiliarization. By replacing conventional religious language with the profane, Tolstoy allows readers to experience emotions and events as if encountering them for the first time. Shklovsky's ideas on defamiliarization have had a profound influence on the evolution of artistic techniques. Notably, the concept of the alienation effect (verfremdungseffekt), pioneered by Bertolt Brecht, aligns with Shklovsky's emphasis on disrupting habitual perception and has become a cornerstone in modern theatrical practice.
Creativity and Perception:
The essay intertwines the themes of creativity and perception, suggesting that artists actively engage in defamiliarization not only to create unique works of art but also to contribute to the revitalization of societal perception. Shklovsky's argument positions art as an evolving technique rather than a static representation of objects, and this perspective has resonated through various artistic movements and theories.
In exploring the intricate relationship between creativity and perception, Shklovsky's essay posits that the artist's deliberate engagement in defamiliarization serves a dual purpose: not only does it enable the creation of distinct and groundbreaking works of art, but it also plays a vital role in rejuvenating the broader societal perception. The act of presenting the familiar in an unfamiliar light, according to Shklovsky, is not a mere stylistic choice but a dynamic process that challenges the conventional ways in which individuals perceive and understand their surroundings. By continually disrupting habitual modes of perception, art becomes a catalyst for cultural renewal and transformation. Shklovsky's conceptualization of art as an evolving technique, rather than a static representation of objects, underscores the dynamic nature of artistic expression and has left an enduring impact on various artistic movements and theoretical frameworks. This perspective encourages artists to view their craft as a living, breathing entity that actively contributes to the evolution of cultural consciousness and the ongoing dialogue between creativity and the ways in which we interpret the world.
In exploring the intricate relationship between creativity and perception, Shklovsky's essay posits that the artist's deliberate engagement in defamiliarization serves a dual purpose: not only does it enable the creation of distinct and groundbreaking works of art, but it also plays a vital role in rejuvenating the broader societal perception. The act of presenting the familiar in an unfamiliar light, according to Shklovsky, is not a mere stylistic choice but a dynamic process that challenges the conventional ways in which individuals perceive and understand their surroundings. By continually disrupting habitual modes of perception, art becomes a catalyst for cultural renewal and transformation. Shklovsky's conceptualization of art as an evolving technique, rather than a static representation of objects, underscores the dynamic nature of artistic expression and has left an enduring impact on various artistic movements and theoretical frameworks. This perspective encourages artists to view their craft as a living, breathing entity that actively contributes to the evolution of cultural consciousness and the ongoing dialogue between creativity and the ways in which we interpret the world.
Conclusion and Legacy:
In conclusion, Viktor Shklovsky's "Art as Technique" stands as a seminal work that not only articulates a theoretical foundation for the purpose of art but also yields practical insights with profound implications for literary and artistic creation. Shklovsky's advocacy for defamiliarization, evident in his exploration of techniques like the alienation effect and the distortion of poetic speech, has left an enduring mark on the trajectory of artistic thought. His ideas, challenging the notion of static representation, continue to resonate in the evolution of literary movements and the broader artistic landscape. Beyond its immediate impact, the legacy of Shklovsky's essay persists as a guiding force in discussions surrounding the intricate interplay between form, content, and perception in the ever-evolving realm of art and literature, inspiring generations of creators to question and redefine the boundaries of creative expression.
