Interrogating glamour: piercing visual pleasure, an antidote to passive spectatorship

What is it about?

This review explores art practice as an antidote, or counter force to stupefying and potentially depressing visual forces that like art act on us primarily through our ocular sense. These forces are accounted for here under the catch all weak-glamour, their sources are varied and multifarious: advertising, branding, social media and normative hegemonic patterns there-in that are also found in popular film, fashion and television.

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Photo by Marc Schulte on Unsplash

Photo by Marc Schulte on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The study highlights the pervasive influence of visual media in shaping individual perceptions, values, and emotional states. By identifying "weak-glamour" as a pervasive yet potentially harmful force, the research sheds light on the ways visual culture can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, passivity, or disengagement. Understanding these effects could be crucial for developing strategies to counteract them. By framing art practice as an antidote to these forces, the research positions art as a tool for critical engagement, empowerment, and emotional resilience. This suggests that art can challenge normative patterns and provide an avenue for individuals to reclaim agency in a media-saturated world. The study critiques the hegemonic structures embedded in popular visual media—advertising, branding, and social norms perpetuated through film, fashion, and television. This critique is essential in unpacking how such structures reinforce existing power dynamics and limit diversity of thought and representation. The research could inspire both creators and consumers to critically engage with visual media, fostering a deeper awareness of its impact. This awareness is a step toward more mindful consumption and the cultivation of a media landscape that prioritizes authenticity, diversity, and creativity. As visual media increasingly dominates contemporary culture, understanding its effects becomes vital for addressing broader societal challenges, including mental health crises, cultural homogenization, and the commodification of identity. By exploring art practice as a counterbalance to these forces, the study situates itself at the intersection of art, media studies, and cultural criticism, offering valuable insights for both academic and practical applications.

Perspectives