 ouyangwulong says: In a sense, I think this is the perfect answer to the question. Even when her art was not employed as Nazi propaganda, I feel that Riefenstahl's films and photography lack insight or depth, probably because she lacked these qualities as a person. After all, a person who can accept Nazism is clearly lacking in a certain empathy and humanism that is essential to creating art. How can we find it compelling when at its core, it remains vacuous and empty, devoid of the human soul that must infuse any work of art, bringing the inanimate to life. I think one needs a "soul" to create any kind of art that is not superficial in nature. Many people think that Fascism is the product of some deep and sinister evil. To me it seems to be the product of excessive and impulsive superficiality. In this respect, as perhaps the shallowest and most superficial artist who ever lived (a fact she often professed proudly and loudly) Leni Riefenstahl is perhaps the quintessential fascist, attempting to simplify the world down to its most superficial and materialistic qualities, and thereby sanitizing mankind of its humanity. Even were it not for Hitler, I still think I would consider her and all her work fascist. Hollow heart gives hollow art. Art is simply, heart! Many people think that Fascism is the product of some deep and sinister evil. To me it seems to be the product of excessive and impulsive superficiality.Have you seen the *art experiment*, of sorts, an Iraqi is conducting about humanism? Very thought-provoking. I think some psychological parallels can be drawn between superficiality and the lack of humanism and empathy in both his scenario and in fascism. (Anonymity too) Lessons About Dehumanization Oh, Anonymity! That is a very good word in this discussion. The role annonymity plays in the process by which otherwise normal people sanction uspeakable evils can never be underestimated. Some (great) art (think Zola) gives humanity to one who's humanity has been stripped away. Other "art" (propaganda, etc.) strips away the humanity of its subjects. At this point it ceases to be art, in my opinion. Even though Leni Riefenstahl said she wasn't a Nazi but was only interested in "beauty" (purity?) that makes her the quintessential Nazi. In every argument about the Iraq war or terrorism, it is essential that we not allow ourselves to dehumanize our enemies. If we allow this to happen, then wh... |
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