The uncanny

Definition

The uncanny refers to a psychological experience where something familiar becomes unsettling or eerie, often evoking feelings of discomfort and strangeness. This concept plays a crucial role in art and literature, especially in surrealism, where familiar objects and scenes are transformed into something bizarre, provoking anxiety and introspection. The uncanny blurs the line between reality and fantasy, revealing the hidden fears and desires that lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'uncanny' was popularized by Sigmund Freud in his 1919 essay 'The Uncanny,' where he discussed how repressed fears can surface in familiar situations.
2. In surrealist photography and film, the uncanny manifests through unexpected juxtapositions and dreamlike imagery that disrupts normal perception.
3. Artists like Man Ray and filmmakers such as Luis Buñuel used the uncanny to evoke emotional responses, challenging viewers to confront their own subconscious fears.
4. The uncanny often utilizes motifs such as doppelgängers, mannequins, or distorted reality to create an unsettling atmosphere in visual narratives.
5. The exploration of the uncanny in surrealism encourages a deeper understanding of human psychology and the complexities of perception, inviting reflection on what lies beyond the surface of reality.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the uncanny relate to the techniques used in surrealist photography?
  • The concept of the uncanny is closely tied to surrealist photography through its use of familiar images presented in strange or unexpected ways. Photographers like Man Ray employed techniques such as double exposures and manipulated perspectives to create unsettling visuals that provoke discomfort. This transformation of the mundane into something eerie highlights the uncanny's role in revealing hidden emotions and subconscious fears, making viewers question their understanding of reality.
• Discuss how filmmakers like Luis Buñuel incorporate elements of the uncanny in their works and the impact this has on audiences.
  • Filmmakers like Luis Buñuel incorporate elements of the uncanny by creating surreal narratives that defy logic and disrupt normal expectations. For instance, through bizarre scenarios and unexpected character interactions, Buñuel invites audiences to confront their own subconscious anxieties. This use of the uncanny not only engages viewers emotionally but also challenges them to reflect on societal norms and personal beliefs, pushing them towards a deeper understanding of their own psyche.
• Evaluate the significance of the uncanny in understanding human psychology within the context of surrealist art forms.
  • The significance of the uncanny in understanding human psychology is profound, particularly within surrealist art forms. By exploring themes that elicit feelings of discomfort or dread from familiar objects or scenarios, artists tap into deep-seated fears and desires inherent in human nature. This exploration encourages a dialogue between conscious and unconscious thoughts, allowing for a richer comprehension of psychological complexities. In this way, surrealist works serve not just as artistic expressions but as tools for introspection, revealing the intricate layers of human emotion and perception.

Related terms

Surrealism: An artistic movement that sought to unlock the unconscious mind, using dreamlike imagery and illogical scenes to challenge rational thought.

Freudian Theory: A psychological framework developed by Sigmund Freud that emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior and emotions.

Automatism: A technique used by surrealists to create art without conscious thought, allowing the unconscious to guide their creative process.