The Art of Fascism: A Catalytic Force They Fear

Fascist regimes, from their inception, have been deeply intertwined with their fear of art. This fear stems from the inherent capacity of art to catalyze hope, change, and personal agency #8212; qualities that are antithetical to the fascist agenda. Art, as a universal medium, bypasses the socially constructed frameworks and arbitrary norms enforced by fascists. However, this very essence of art has often been co-opted or eradicated under fascist regimes to maintain control and suppress individual expression.

Fascism and Art: A Historical Analysis

The historical record provides poignant examples of fascist attempts to suppress art. In 1937, the "Degenerate Art" exhibition (Exhibition of Degenerate Art) in Munich attracted approximately 200,000 visitors daily, a stark contrast to the "Great German Art Exhibition." This phenomenon raises intriguing questions about the nature of art and its reception under fascist control.

The "Degenerate Art" exhibition exhibited works aligned with modernist styles such as Dada, New Objectivity, caricature, expressionism, low realism, and harsh realism. Conversely, the "Great German Art Exhibition" showcased classical, traditional, and purist art. This dichotomy starkly illustrates the fascist desire to codify and control artistic expression, enforcing a narrative that aligns with their ideological goals.

The Love and Hate of Art: Fascism’s Dilemma

While fascists recognize the power of art, their approach is paradoxical and fraught with contradictions. Fascists fear art because it can inspire rebellion, foster unity, and promote independent thought. Therefore, they seek to eliminate it while simultaneously propagating their own, more controlled forms of artistic expression. This is evident in their imposition of harsh regulations on what can be displayed in public and their enforcement of a narrow definition of art that aligns with their ideological goals.

Fascists cannot outright ban all art, as it is an essential part of the human experience. Instead, they use grand ideals and prop gestures to create the illusion of artistic freedom while suppressing true creativity and independent thought. The purpose is to sedate and control the masses, leaving them entrenched in a fantasy that bypasses the harsh realities of fascist governance.

Art as a Communication Medium

Another pivotal question arises: What is art? Art, as a form of communication, does not have a single definition. Personally, I perceive art as a means of communication through the intention of a sapient (a sentient being) to express and convey emotions to another sapient. It involves a unique physical object structured using shared human notions of beauty, meaning, and expression.

A classic example of this is the Rosetta Stone, commissioned in 196 BC by a council of royal priests in Egypt during Greek occupation. The trilingual script on the stone served to bring together three different cultures, representing the polar opposite of fascist unification. Fascists seek to impose a singular narrative and suppress cultural diversity, making the Rosetta Stone a powerful symbol of their failure to achieve homogeneity.

AI Art and Fascist Propaganda

Art in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) poses an interesting challenge to fascists. AI-generated art, powered by machine learning algorithms, can produce aesthetically pleasing and technically intricate works. However, these works are merely hallucinations created through the manipulation of data, with no sentient intervention or supervision beyond the initial parameters set by the algorithm.

Fascists have co-opted AI art as a means of creating manipulated images and symbols that serve their propaganda purposes. Two examples of fascist-approved AI art can be seen on the iOS app Wonder. These creations aim to serve as visual shorthand for fascist ideals while perpetuating the regime's message of control and conformity.

Conclusion

Art, despite its potential to inspire, change, and liberate, is a thorn in the side of fascists. Their struggle to suppress and co-opt art reflects a deep-seated fear of its transformative power. By understanding art as a communicative tool and recognizing its role in diversity and free expression, we can better appreciate the contributions of artists and the importance of protecting artistic freedom.