Art As (self) Expression Flashcards
Outline abstract expressionism
Shapes lead to shapes that evoke emotion
Highlights how can something / a painted surface carry emotion or feel depressing etc
RESPONSE
arousal theory?
1 a painting can be described as E if and only if it makes viewers feel E
2 it cannot be any viewer but a standard viewer who truly understands the picture
3 one and two are both circular
4 neither explain how emotions as a description and emotions felt are different
(Eg threatening)
RESPONSE
resemblance theory
1 art can be aptly described with E if and only if a standard viewer experienced the art as resembling someone experiencing E
2 emotion is located in picture (solves arousal )
BUT
how can a painting like ‘black on maroon’ resemble a person/emotion?
RESPONSE
imagination theory
1 art expresses E if and only if a standard viewer is caused to imagine the hypothetical make experiencing E
2 explains art having E features
BUT
how far can imagination go? rothko’s rectangles aren’t exactly full of emotion?
Example for imagination theory
Joseph the carpenter - da Latour 1645
Outcomes of argument?
We fail to understand art as expression
Maybe question is wrong
More likely describing art as emotion is like trying to describe smell with numbers
Language can’t convey all emotions felt i it did there’d be no need for art
Reflective functions?
Philosophy and art reflects on conditions of life in the modern world
Following their own grammar style history and technique
Outline disenchantment
Abstract expressionism shows were at a standstill with art and new art isn’t here yet
Post modern philosophy says we live in a disenchanted world - mysteries aren’t pictured they’re reflects on
In reflecting on the world it destroys it
Bernstein on disenchantment?
Everything is diluted , clear, plain. There’s no longer a new experience out there. It’s all been discovered
Final expressionism view?
Arts significance can’t be linguistically defined
The work does not need a language as it is a whole language of its own
