The “Charismatic Illusion” and the Profile of the Social Media Viewer
The “Charismatic Illusion” and the Profile of the Social Media Viewer

Summary/Abstract: When faced with artistic productions on social media, whether we are talking about reworkings of established works of art, AI-generated images, or critical approaches to famous paintings, we are more seduced than ever by the message being conveyed. Starting with two key concepts: “hyperaesthetics” (Yves Michaud) and “instagramism sensibility” (Lev Manovich), our analysis explores how contemporary individuals, as both creators and consumers, interact with artistic productions in virtual environments. The discussion also incorporates Jean Baudrillard’s notions of “simulacrum” and “hyperreality” to illustrate the crisis of the referent and the accelerated production of images. Following in the footsteps of Pierre Bourdieu, this paper analyzes the conditions for achieving a “happy encounter” between habitus and the viewer’s world, drawing on images found on relevant social media networks. The central question we aim to address is: how has image capital become the new focal point in contemporary society?

• Details
• Contents