ЦИРК ЯК ПОЄДНАННЯ МАСОВОГО ТА ЕЛІТАРНОГО МИСТЕЦТВА В СИСТЕМІ СУЧАСНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to substantiate the possibility of considering circus and circus art as a specific space for combining mass and elite cultures. The research methodology was based on the system approach, which allowed for using the synergetic principle of interpreting complex and dynamic self-organizing systems, which include the cultural life of modern society. Attention was drawn to the fact that analyzing circus according to the “elite-mass” scale is a rather difficult task as circus art is not fully adapted for mastering the mass consciousness. Circus art can be called less mass but not elite. The main criterion that unites all “mass” types of art is to be found in dynamism and repeatability of the same elements and formulas, from which, above all, arises an emphasized easiness of perception. Circus art is seen as a multi-aspect and socially significant phenomenon of culture, relevant to the genre and specific potential of mass culture, which, at the same time, satisfies the criteria of elite culture. In this sense, circus is characterized by a sociocultural duality; that is, the penchant of circus for mass consciousness on one hand and the elitism of the artist’s craft on the other are the basis of its dynamic, progressive development. Circus genres available for elite and mass reception are clownery, pantomime, sketch, acrobatics, eccentricity, attraction, etc. At the same time, elitism is associated with the specificity of circus acts based on mechanical and technical effects. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the integral comprehension of circus as an art phenomenon which is characterized by a synthesis of mass and elitism. The definition of possible boundaries of the elite and mass through the example of specific circus performances or acts requires further research. Conclusions. It was concluded that modern culture has the level of development which is oriented towards a mass and elite consumer. Circus art, on the one hand, as the art of high culture is of great importance to the consumer who can perceive it. On the other hand, circus art adapts itself to a mass person. With that said, at every stage of its development, circus offers a mass option, which is necessary for the society, as circus satisfies the needs of its audience to the fullest extent.