Heidegger believes art is dead because it no longer provides guidance to open up the world to us, instead it is merely aesthetic experiences. Art is more than just the form itself, it is more than just an object or that object’s aesthetics. Art reveals different worlds to us and uncovers truth. Poetry is often seen as the highest form of art in many cultures and with many philosophers.
Modern society seems much less saturated in poetry. Popular music contains lyrics that can be seen as far from poetic. In fact, our contemporary society may prove Heidegger’s theory, that art is dead due to aesthetics, to be true.
Photographs and paintings on social media are most celebrated for their pleasing aesthetic qualities
Meanings behind these images seem vague and ambiguous
We are a society drawn towards visuals and sensuous experiences, yet this does not necessarily mean art is dead. Instead of art being flooded with meaning created by the artist, these vague aesthetic images are open for interpretation, allowing the viewer to add his or her own meaning.
Many things we find aesthetically pleasing may not have even been created for the sake of art, yet we could still be drawn to these images. This demonstrates our present society not only finding pleasure in all aesthetics around them, but also finding meaning in “meaningless” objects around them.
We place our own non-material meanings into our aesthetic experiences, and are able to uncover truth in ways Heidegger never explored. In our contemporary society, art is not dead. Art is very much alive, and an integrated part of our lives.
PHL250 Aesthetics Journal 