레옹 박스트의 무대의상에 내재된 오리엔탈리즘 특성- 발레 뤼스 초기 작품을 중심으로-

Abstract

We can assign a great significance to the fact that Léon Bakst boldly broke formal framework when applying Orientalism to materialize his inspirations about the Orient using ballet stage costume design. Expression methods employed by this gifted artist suggested a new perspective via positive Orientalism based on longing for, respect and understanding of the Oriental culture. As a result of analyzing Léon Bakst’s costume, this study found that while he was not far away from the standpoint on the Orient commonly shared by all Western people, characteristics of Orientalism shown at his costume were extraordinarily positive breaking away from the existing negative view and created ideal images of Orientalism as equal culture with the West. That is certainly distinct from the views prevailed then. Though Bakst emphasized exotic eroticism in costume designs of his characters such as dancers, slaves and concubines that reflected his typical Orientalism, he shaped sensual and mysterious images in a sophisticated way and earned an international success, contributing to forming a new cultural trend. His style, bringing Oriental colors, design and accessories into fashion, not only drew a stroke in world’s fashion history, but also contributed to status enhancement and popularization of ballet. As a result of this study, characteristics of Orientalism contained in Léon Bakst’s costume were as follows. First, he made pioneering creational work by successfully using and expressing sort of societal concept called Orientalism in his own art world. Second, he achieved an overwhelming success by combining Oriental impression and sentiment with refined senses and dramatic expression, marking a new milestone in the history of ballet. Third, boldly shaking away from the existing Orientalism, he built worldwide style of Orientalism as an equal cultural system. Bold, creative and groundbreaking work of Léon Bakst might have suggested what a true artist should do, together with a great lesson, to all the students and learners who today learn, study and perform the arts of dance.