ARTS: Artuklu Sanat ve Beşeri Bilimler Dergisi

Abstract

In this study, the playful rhetoric which was put forward as a critical method in the area of art in Europe as of the late 19th century has been addressed. This rhetoric which was developed by Avant-garde art movements of the 20th century has been discussed via examples particularly on the basis of certain art practices appertaining to Dada and Surrealism movements which spearheaded the process. These critical attitudes which gave rise to radical changes in terms of style and content in the area of art have been analyzed also in the context of discussions set forth in the field of linguistics and semiotics. It has been stated that an ironic and playful narration method was placed at the hearth of linguistic structure as per this critical rhetoric which was proposed by Avant-garde art movements in order to criticize conventional styles of narration and representation. It has been suggested that this narration method which was predicated on the idea of a free intersemiotic montage was executed on the basis of relationality and identity notions which gave freedom to use metaphors. On the other hand, in this study, it has been asserted that this critical rhetoric which was alleged to be building up as part of the Deconstructivist approach of Post-structuralist understanding also gave birth to Post-modern art understanding.