Depiction of Post-Nuclear World in Contemporary Art.

Contemporary artists have always had a fascination with visions of post-nuclear worlds. The major reason for this is the enomorous potential for change which is brought about by a so called "nuclear holocaust". In art any kind of nuclear conflict is often followed by the major alterations in structure of society. Thus such works of art often deal with the nature of society and its potential realised in circumstances no longer resembling present ones. On the other hand many fiction writers in particular tend to substitute their own bleak world view for the depictions of future post nuclear society. One way or the other all these works of creative art which stand for dreams and fears of its authors have no basis in reality and have little in common with true possibilities presented to us by a chance of nuclear war.

Some Examples of Works of Art Depicting Such Worlds

Mad Max

If you are familiar with post nuclear world it possible that your knowledge comes from such trashy movies as Mad Max. This is an epitome of misdirection of public and increasing their distrust through cheap manipulation. The images of Mad Max 2 show the citizens of post nuclear world as a disgruntled bunch of no-goods who have no aspirations beyond their primal needs: greed, corruption and evil. In fact this is completely wrong for the basic humanity of the people is not so rare and is capable of surviving even the direst of circumstances.

Do Androids dream of Electric Sheep? and other books by Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick is much more imaginative and realistic in showing the post nuclear worlds in his books. For one he is not afraid of technology and is capable to come to terms with humanity willing to change its ways of life. In Blade Runner for example the replicants represent the best technology has to offer for evolvement of human race. Moreover in such stories as the Second Variety he also shows that artificial life can surpass human race and even better it.

I Am Legend

Simple in stylistic, the end of this book describes the elevation of human race to a different level, allowing it to progress to a new heights without impediments imposed on us through natural evolution. Moreover, Matheson is not afraid of classical "the other" making it perhaps the chief protagonist of the book, and allowing us a glimpse into the workings of the new society.

Guernica

Completely misguided, this painting attempts to stop us, through scaring the general public with possible ramifications of the slaughter that is possible in case of nuclear conflict. Yes the innocents will die in the war, we all know that, but they will only be necessary step towards a better world, a sacrificial victim on the altar of universal good.

Fallout

A sole deserving representative of the computer game world. It is necessary to say computer games are perhaps the only medium capable of true representation of life in all its complexity. Fallout however manages to present us with a completely believable world, which also manages to be an impossibility. In case of a nuclear amendment of the world the citizens will not necessarily become such brutes as they are shown in this game. The change in humanity is only going to improve them not put them at the level of animals. This game therefore is a travesty of misapplication of talent.