André Bazin: Art As Representation

André Bazin argues that the compulsion to create art rests in the desire to replicate reality in our ideal form. He explains that humans have a “mummy complex,” which compels us to capture our physical vessels in images. The complexity of images allows us to preserve the body or halt time, and in a sense, conquer death by preventing the collapse of our spiritual vessels. As a result, representations of life exist within all art. However, the two conflicting forms of art, aesthetic and psychological, forces artists to make a distinction between the spiritual and material. He also suggests that cinema mimics reality more proficiently than the plastic arts and that the camera was an invention that effectively met the need to capture and replicate three-dimensional space. The camera released artists from the burden of achieving realism and allowed them to pursue personal expression.

I agree with Bazin’s assessment that art is a representation of art. Art is a reflection of life's ontology as it is a product of human creation. I think it is true that art presents some level of illusion. The artist communicates their point via their preferred medium, and in that lies perspective which facilitates illusion. I also find the concept of the mummy complex fascinating. The preservation of the spiritual and physical form is a pertinent issue that many people worry about. I think art can preserve the essence of a person. I do not, however, agree with Bazin’s opinion on painting. I understand that the camera can capture depth in a manner that is impossible for a painting. However, paintings can retain the essence of the body and spirit. Paintings are capable of such depth because the human hand has been applied, and can inject emotional depth in color, brush strokes, and perspective.