The Uncanny, A Freudian Term, By Sigmund Freud - 1993 Words

The â€Å"uncanny†, a Freudian term, is used to describe a situation or feeling that feels familiar and foreign at the same time. Through the writings and ideas of Ernst Jentech, and Sigmund Freud, it is defined. Between them the uncanny is described as ...intellectual uncertainty; so that the uncanny would always, as it were, be something one does not know one’s way about in. The better oriented in his environment a person is, the less readily will he get the impression of something uncanny in regard to the objects and events in it. In Freud’s essay he states that â€Å"the â€Å"uncanny† is that class of the terrifying which leads back to something long known to us, once very familiar†. Being part of the terrifying, the uncanny is undefinable as†¦show more content†¦Predominantly known for his sculpture, installation, video, neon, and performance; his subject a strong focus on the human and an artist’s condition. Themes of lang uage, process and the body influenced by the dichotomy between psychological and physical states. His work generates a flood of mixed emotions as he explores extreme differences that we as human beings experience and relate with, creating a commonality that automatically connects with anyone participating in Nauman’s work. The uncanny and the abject are two words that could be used when talking about and experiencing some of Bruce Nauman’s works. The unsettling nature of Nauman’s work forces us to look at things that maybe we try not to. His video works tend to be focused on the body as a material and the truths which are told from this. In his video, Poke in the Eye/Nose/Ear 3/8/94 Edit (fig.2), Nauman himself does exactly what the title says. The video is zoomed in on the specific facial feature and projected large onto the wall; it is in slow motion and on loop. By zooming in Nauman eradicates interpretations of gender and race and therefore only revealing the bodies truths in this uncanny action of poking oneself in the eye. The video itself is a little irritating and unsettling to watch, as we can only imagine this action being performed on our ourselves but it is amplified by the slowed down time of the video and itsShow MoreRelatedSigmund Freud s Frankenstein 1299 Words   |  6 PagesSigmund Freud lays out an understanding instances of the definition of the uncanny. 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