This fall, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., is decked out in pastels, broad strokes, and light, and French Impressionism has arrived. The hot and humid autumn weather outside is not yet cool, but inside the gallery, spring is in full bloom. I joined the stream of onlookers peering into each frame, momentarily transfixed by the artist’s work. I am standing in the shadow of Madame Monet with a parasol on a windy hill. Next, I look out over the sunlit countryside of Cezanne’s landscapes. They all hint at reality and are painted in oil in just a few colors.
In the Parisian art world of the 19th century, painting impressions was revolutionary. Today, Impressionist artwork has overwhelming mass appeal and is beloved by artists such as Renoir, Degas, and Pissarro. Trying to understand why we are psychologically drawn to this movement, I began to notice that elements of Impressionism are present in another art form: the art of political movements.
Through the lens of witnessing election season in the hills, I concluded: What makes Impressionist art so appealing is that viewers have the ability to imagine the scene in the painting and experience it intuitively. There is a nugget of truth at its heart, hinting at lifelike realism, but the overall image is smeared with an abstract haze. From my perspective, Société Anonymous would classify the campaign strategies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as eminently reflecting an impressionist moment. This is because both artists appear to actively use a wide range of brush strokes to create an image that increases their popularity, regardless of their actual persona. Policy proposals. At first glance, these strategies are effective at gathering the most loyal supporters. These supporters engage in inflammatory soundbites, tweets, TikTok trends, and slogans that reinforce their pre-existing beliefs, all with the sole purpose of absorbing what they want to hear from their political candidate. However, if you think about it carefully, “impressions” do not go into all the details, both good and bad.
Since the origins of rhetoric, leaders have learned from their predecessors in speaking persuasively. We’ve seen many of the techniques used by candidates in this election, including logos, pathos, ethos, hyperbole, repetition, and metaphor. And while every speaker discusses different issues, the most charismatic ones conclude with a repetitive and ambitious nature. Both Mr. Trump and Ms. Harris have discussed their visions within their respective groups of supporters in ways that inspire hope for a better future. Emotional responses are a powerful way to energize a crowd, rally support, and gain followers.
The Harris campaign’s strategy is to emphasize joy and progress. The mission of President Trump for a second term is to restore greatness to our country. Both candidates tell their versions of ambitious dreams so that listeners can understand them and feel part of a collective effort to achieve a better future. But the lack of focus on the actual policies that would make this better future possible makes it difficult for voters to imagine how either candidate could realistically make these dreams a reality. .
This federal election cycle has felt like an extended spectacle. Between theatrical debates and conventions, Hollywood-style introductions of new Democratic candidates, and absurd internet memes, this political race is in many ways lacking in substantive policy material to work with. . For example, each candidate’s detailed plan of action to address key issues such as the economy and the border crisis remains unclear to many voters, but the general sentiment about their positions is widely known. When you think of Impressionist paintings, how do you feel about their subject matter?While viewing the exhibition at the National Gallery, I felt a sense of uninterrupted bliss. Impressionist paintings never deal with real human suffering. They focus on idyllic scenes of contentment and leisure. Today’s political methods similarly obscure real-world problems. Although their rhetoric is beautiful and beautiful and evokes strong emotions and feelings in voters, neither candidate has made a strong case backed by policies to support their overarching message.
Do these campaigns and the focus on ideal messaging feel more pronounced now, or has this been a trend for many years? Perhaps because the methodology of persuasive speaking is here to stay? Sho. In any case, it is important to remain critical of rhetorical strategies as they set precedents for future elections. If this continues, there is a possibility that we will deviate from the original purpose of the electoral system. Citizens must continue to ensure realism, rather than accepting a whitewashed impression of reality, because the right to civic participation and informed voting is an individual freedom that we must protect. yeah. There will always be those who would like to bask in the uninterrupted bliss of an impressionist exhibition, but delve into the glittering rhetoric to determine whether there is any substantive meaning and plan of action behind the politicians’ words. It is our responsibility as patriots.
