Imagined Worlds: Why People Create Alternatives to Reality
“The human imagination remains one of the last unchartered terrains of the mind” and subsequently of this world. The ever-increasing domination of every space on this planet leaves man with only his imagination for refuge. This essay aims to explore imagined worlds brought into reality through the arts, confusing the authenticity of reality. “Nowadays, artists invent their own medium.” Fictions are invented to act as the basis and framework for some artworks and all science fiction novels. My enquiry is for what reasons these mediums are invented and how they blur the already fractured line between fiction and reality.
Artists Mike Nelson, Charles Avery and science fiction writer Philip K Dick create imagined worlds either as a basis for their fictional work, or as their work. Mike Nelson’s worlds are spaces in which the viewer is invited on a journey to discover the narrative, Charles Avery’s world is an island, which he discovers, and the viewer witness’ his discoveries, and Philip K Dick’s worlds are worlds were the character in the novel is confronted with a breaking down of reality. Through examining these worlds I intend to explore the reasons for the creation of these imagined worlds. Firstly to better understand them and why they exist, also considering the impact they have on our already fragile reality.
With the increasing interest in Hugh Everett’s idea of parallel universes, our reality as being singular has already been questioned on a quantum physics level. In relation to this it is an interesting idea that science fiction always seems to predate science, in that it puts theories into practice experimenting with the outcomes. Baudrillard in 1988 discussed the idea that our society is a simulation, so over run by our consumerist ways that our reality has been destroyed being replaced by one of simulations. It is interesting that this questioning or replacing of reality has reached into the realms of the arts. The fictional worlds created in these works replace or question the reality we exist in. This essay aims to examine the creation of imagined worlds in the arts so as to possibly gain a perspective of the possibilities of the future, or the future of the arts.
The first possible future that is conjured in my mind is that of individuals creating imaginary, escapist utopias that can employ an array of philosophical and sociological ideals tailored to an individuals personal morals and preferences. This idea conjures Baudrillard’s theory of simulation
The questioning of reality’s structure and existence in other practices in the world is imperative to the construction of imagined worlds. Even if the creator of these worlds is unaware of the happenings it is important to be aware of the general questioning of reality occurring in the world whilst viewing these imagined worlds.
Reality already is is an imaginary world! Artists and fictional writers are just one step ahead of everybody else…
I don’t think we have managed to replace reality, but have merely succeeded to draw our attention away from it (for longer and longer periods of time)… it still exists alongside our created one.
Every time someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness we are reminded of it…of our real place in it.
The primary error of psychology is the assumption that sane/insane people see the world in a different manner.
They do not; there is no difference. Life is insanity.
Not all see reality the same. There is a difference between a person who looks at a shadow and sees a shadow, and a person who looks at a shadow and imagines an evil spirit or a monster in it.
Whatever helps you sleep at night…
The difference to that is “knowing”.
‘Imagination’. What is it? Is there such a thing as ‘imagination’? Is it different than ‘memory’? How? ‘Image’-ination, holding an image in mind. Don’t we hold ‘images’ of our universes in mind? Is our whole concept of ‘existence/life/reality’ ‘imagination’?
I think that your assumption of ‘imagination’ needs to be ‘founded’, considering the nature of the essay.
Very sentimental, but no real meaning. From what need we take ‘refuge’? From ‘life’ as it is? Our neighbors?
And for those needing ‘refuge’, why is your ‘imagination’ (whatever that is) the only refuge?
You make another assertion that is very debatable and quite shaky. Are you going to support this rather wild assertion? We shall see…
Well, it doesn’t seem to be developing the depth for any foundational support. Sans that, it’s no more than idle speculation for ‘believers’; ‘Our Lady of Imagination’ church and refuge…
You must show that there is any difference between your ‘reality’ and ‘imagination’. Personally, I don’t think you can do it. It’s all one reality, and you can only ever know one tiny corner of it. All Perspectives, all ‘realities’, all ‘truths’ in sum total manifest the complete definition of the universe at the moment of perception. None more ‘real’ than others. Artists see the ‘worlds’ as they do, plumbers as they do, murderers and nuns as they do; all integral in the complete tapestry of existence (universe), Now!
The ‘arbitrary’ ‘line’ that has it’s existence in your mind?
Their imaginary worlds are part of our imaginary worlds…
Understand where I’m comming from?
Thats how I see things from ‘here’.
Did I miss something? I keep reading that “This essay aims to” do this and that and I’m about at the end of your OP and am still waiting for the “aimed at” essay?!
Ok, been through it twice and haven’t found the ‘essay’, just all of your ‘aims’, like an index. An essay, I’d think, includes all the foundational and supportive evidence and data that I mentioned.
I see that this is your first post. Welcome. I hope that you find some food for thought in this response. That is why we are here, no?
Peace