Aestheticism in the Age of the Selfie

     After delving deeper into The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde one of the themes that becomes every more present in the book is the idea that society during this time of aestheticism was indeed extremely superficial in its focus and values. The main character, Dorian Gray, personifies in almost every way that superficial nature as he buys into every pointless party and becomes a slave of fashion and looks as much as he is to Basil's painting that prolongs his youth. We can see this clearly from a passage from the second chapter in which Dorian says "I know, now, that when one loses one's good looks, whatever they may be, one loses everything. Your picture has taught me that. Lord Henry Wotton is perfectly right. Youth is the only thing worth having. When I find that I am growing old, I shall kill myself." This statement draws a bold line limiting value to only that which is beautiful.

     In this time period, Oscar seems to be prodding at while simultaneously praising the idea that all art has to offer anyone is beauty. Mr. Wilde would be perplexed, I think, to see how droves of young people capture not merely capture one grand painting, but in some cases thousands of photographs of themselves to preserve their beauty and looks on a medium that is even more permanent than canvas or paper. The idea of beauty and looks being all important is the reason we have entire industries to this day. Social media, the fashion industry, and in tandem with the fashion industry the cosmetics and beauty industry would not exist were it not for such a hyper-focus on aesthetic that pervades society today. It is amazing to see that the way that one looks can drive their decision making more than almost any factor in their life. 

     Aestheticism seems to me at times to be a step away from the humanist ideas of enlightenment. Instead of focusing on tolerance, equality, and inclusiveness, society decided to try to widen the gulf between some social classes in order to foster exclusivity, secrecy, and the elite. Society today, from politics to media and Hollywood still exercises these vain ambitions. The industries of art and literature of all kinds seem to focus on the surface and the social status of the creator now more than ever. The idea that all art has to offer is beauty may have been what Oscar was going for and a big part of how life was lived then and even now, but should that be the case? Is beauty the only enrichment there is? I would say no, completely not. Art is meaningful, and society can be, too, the focus just has to dig deeper than the placid surface to reach that meaning. Enlightenment and the ideas founded therein could help readers and viewers get there by showing them through rational method the different ways to find value in art and society. Oscar Wilde came after the enlightenment with a story that simultaneously criticized and praised aestheticism. This self awareness definitely rings with familiarity of the enlightenment era, however, the main idea about art expressed is lacking the rationality and depth that would've come from the enlightenment era.

Picture source:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj9zqGuvLTeAhUDmoMKHRHPBoYQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F415949715562639767%2F&psig=AOvVaw1X-YH8EFQOl_b8lnGDeE8c&ust=1541205560843267