When discussing the origin of the word cliches it is a French-derived word that originally states that it is a piece of artwork that has become ‘overused to the point of losing its meaning’. Cliches have the potential to ruin the effect of your work and provoke emotions or feelings that were not originally aimed to provoke. As a creator, this is a problem as when I produce my art I make it intending to create certain effects and moods. Theirs washed down meanings can paint your work with a cheap tacky effect stopping it from becoming meaningful art.
Due to cliches overuse; humans are trained to respond and recognise the aesthetics of what they are trying to capture. For example, a creaking door and crows squawking instantly make people think of horror and a haunted atmosphere. Despite it not being original; people naturally think about the connotations that come with it. When making sound pieces such as soundscapes; it is important to create clarity so the listener is aware of what is going on. I wanted to produce realism within my piece so the narrative that went alongside the soundscape was effective and believable. When creating soundscapes for both a beach and a city proved difficult. Due to the sound being my only medium; I was limited on what I could use to make the environment of the story obvious. Cliches were the one thing that served true clarity to my work. They serve instant and realisable effects that universally people will understand.
Overall Cliches are not entirely a bad thing to use within your work and it truly depends on the context and aim of your piece. If you strive for originality and abstract meaning – cliches are not your friend. However finally if you want clarity and instant clear directed feeling then cliches will provide this to your work.