De-aestheticizing

The process of removing or diminishing the aesthetic qualities of something, rendering it less beautiful, pleasing, or visually appealing. This can involve a deliberate shift away from artistic conventions, a focus on functionality over form, or the exposure of underlying structures and processes that are typically concealed for aesthetic purposes. It often signifies a critical engagement with notions of beauty, taste, and the role of aesthetics in society, sometimes to challenge or subvert established norms and values. It can also be viewed to show the realities of a subject. The goal is often to strip away the illusion of polish and reveal the bare truths. This can cause viewers to challenge their own preconceptions.

De-aestheticizing meaning with examples

• The documentary's de-aestheticizing approach, opting for raw footage and unflattering angles, aimed to convey the harsh realities of poverty rather than romanticizing it. The director deliberately avoided any cinematic techniques that might soften the impact, believing that a purely visual experience would be a disservice to the struggles the subjects have to go through.
• The artist's installation intentionally *de-aestheticized* the gallery space by introducing industrial materials and exposing the building's infrastructure. This deliberate uglification was a commentary on the commercialization of art and the superficiality often associated with its presentation.
• In architecture, the de-aestheticizing of a building might involve removing ornamental features, exposing the concrete or steel framework, and prioritizing energy efficiency over visual appeal. This functionalist approach challenged the traditional emphasis on decorative embellishments.
• The company's marketing campaign attempted to *de-aestheticize* the product by presenting it with stark imagery. This strategy aimed to combat claims that their product was too luxurious or out of reach.
• The writer's prose was stripped of flowery language and elaborate metaphors, de-aestheticizing it to focus on direct, unadorned storytelling. This reflected their commitment to conveying the truth over the literary arts.