Excellence of Every Art

Uploaded on Jun 10th, 2008
by slowdncr

Comments

Interesting image. I completely disagree with the text though. Typical western idea of aesthetics: monomanic, overly rational, teleological and obsessed with (imaginary) purity. I far prefer the Japanese aesthetic pricipals of Yugen and Wabi-Sabi. Sorry for the rave! Not intended for you slowdncr. ;)

Dialogue

slowdncr

1 year, 6 months ago:

No offense taken. Although, while not absolutely subscribing to the premise inscribed here, I'd say that there are many examples of art, both western and eastern, that arrive at a level of excellence in this manner. In fact, now that you give me cause to reflect on the dictates of what is being said, the stated philosophy can be interpreted as eastern; zen-like, oneness of purpose and the fulfillment of such.

Agnostic

1 year, 6 months ago:

I think a classic zen reaction to this maxim might be that there is no accomplisment and no purpose. The only thing there is, is attention, or the lack thereoff, to what one is doing. In zen scripture you'll find many objections to this kind of dichotomic teleological thinking. Zen aside, we have no control whatsoever of the experiences the things we make will create in others. In that sense it doesn't even make sense to speak of a purpose in my opinion.

Agnostic

1 year, 6 months ago:

Tell me if I go on to much! I can get annoying sometimes when I get passionate about something. ;)

slowdncr

1 year, 6 months ago:

You make a good argument behind sound reasoning and understanding of the nature of the subject. It's probably why I marvel at coincidental (unplanned) art and scoff at the exhibitions of the "world's finest".

Agnostic

1 year, 6 months ago:

I know what you mean. True creativity in my opinion needs room for the influence of the subconscious and for the accidental. That also seems to me to be a much less destructive form of creativity, one that instead of trying to control or manipulate the external, chooses to interact with it and enjoy the sometimes surprising and unsuspected outcomes that it generates.

Agnostic

1 year, 6 months ago:

Well I have bothered you enough with my theories. Have a nice day! :)

slowdncr

1 year, 6 months ago:

No bother. Quite interesting, in fact. Keeping it pertinent to photography, it's what makes the digital process so invigorating; take as many as you want, when you want, and see what you've found, then manipulate that raw image further to your artistic whim.