Kruisplein Heroism
Thesis project 2005, Dirk Claessens
The deflation of heroism
These days we seem to need a vast aray of heroes. They operate in the world of sports, music, fashion & cinema. We dream of their fame, honour and passions, mirror their lifestyles. We celebrate their victories like they were our own.
A Re-Definition
In comparison with the classical hero, who maintained his status during several ages, modern heroes are a temporary phenomenon. They rise and fall like the tides in the ocean. Their worlds change so rapidly that only few of them survive over several
decades. Most of yesterday's heroes will be completely forgotten by tomorrow.
Modern heroes are shameless and vulgar. They are empty shells, waiting to charged with our unfulfilled expectations. Modern heroes can be fabricated to our liking, and precisely for that reason we worship them. They are super-me's. The classic hero on the other hand struggled against the tide of his time. He drew his credibility from his outsider's position.
Heroes today have to be in the public eye to demand recognition. Their deflation is linked to this constant need for visibility. Their status is defined by their function as a role model, which outweighs the aspect of heroism. They do not create themselves, but are created. The role model focuses on fame. He is temporary, exchangeable and he metamorphoses through time.
Kruisplein Heroism
Thesis project 2005, Dirk Claessens
The deflation of heroism
These days we seem to need a vast aray of heroes. They operate in the
world of sports, music, fashion & cinema. We dream of their fame,
honour and passions, mirror their lifestyles. We celebrate their
victories like they were our own.
A Re-Definition
In comparison with the classical hero, who maintained his status during
several ages, modern heroes are a temporary phenomenon. They rise and
fall like the tides in the ocean. Their worlds change so rapidly that
only few of them survive over several
decades. Most of yesterday's heroes will be completely forgotten by tomorrow.
Modern heroes are shameless and vulgar. They are empty shells, waiting
to charged with our unfulfilled expectations. Modern heroes can be
fabricated to our liking, and precisely for that reason we worship
them. They are super-me's. The classic hero on the other hand
struggled against the tide of his time. He drew his credibility from
his outsider's position.
Heroes today have to be in the public eye to demand recognition. Their
deflation is linked to this constant need for visibility. Their status
is defined by their function as a role model, which outweighs the
aspect of heroism. They do not create themselves, but are created. The
role model focuses on fame. He is temporary, exchangeable and he
metamorphoses through time.