The artistic genre of ruins interpreted as the depletion of moral and aesthetic values (within a Maltese context)

Abstract

Ruins have been studied throughout the years, raising several questions related to their purpose and role in society, method of conservation and aesthetics amongst others. One of the interesting elements of a ruin is the manner in which a society changes its perspective of what constitutes the latter due to the change in values. Hence, the perception guided by contemporary values influences the definition and role that a ruin plays in life as well as influencing the manner in which it is interpreted in Art. In my dissertation I intend to study the artistic genre of ‘ruin’ interpreted however not only as its material manifestation but as the depletion of moral and aesthetic values with particular attention to the Maltese context. I will try to explore the various definitions of ‘ruin’ discussing the different meanings. My primary focus will be on the relationship between ruins and the value collapse of the modern era. Through research, I intend to define the moral value of art and provide a juxtaposition with ruins. This I hope to accomplish through the writings of people such as Robert Ginsberg, Arthur Danto, and Herbert Marcuse, among others. Traditionally, a ruin is seen as a monument within the culture of a nation. It encapsulates the moral and artistic values of the time it was created. Therefore, by reducing these period constructions into ruin, it marks the corresponding collapse of the moral and aesthetic value that they beheld. For example, the year of Independence in Malta ignited the desire within artists to revert back to the megalithic times of Malta in search for an authentic artistic language. I aspire to understand the essence of such ruins through past renditions in art history. This visual research will hopefully enrich my final project. By studying the past masters, I intend to create a dialogue that best describes this aspect of ruin. By juxtaposing these works I hope to create a solid foundation that will lead to my final work.