ARTISTIC REPRESENTATIONS OF ANXIETY

Abstract

This study is about the representation of anxiety, as a concept, in art. The study has been conducted by considering three cultural stages: (1) Romantic, (2) modern and (3) contemporary culture. This study reveals the way in which the artistic representation of anxiety is formed. While doing so, the unique characteristics of these cultural stages, the definitions of anxiety in other fields and ideas on cultural concepts, are addressed in relation to works of art. This study does not focus on the artistic portrayal of psychological definitions of anxiety, but addresses the way in which anxiety is expressed by artists and likewise, the aesthetic expression of the fractured self. In this study, a literature review has been made showing how anxiety is expressed in artistic work. Findings show that anxiety, in a clash of individuals and cultures, is reflected in art through the loss of identity, the revival of identity, or through a cynical attitude. Primarily, this study suggests that these findings should be considered in relation to the perception and production of reality by cultural stages.