The Origin of the Work of Art Essay Example for Free

The Origin of the Work of Art Essay In ‘The Origin of the Work of Art’ by German philosopher Martin Heidegger, the essence of the work of art and then the question of the meaning of a thing, are described according to the philosopher’s perspective. This was Heidegger’s first collection of writings on art. The critique had many opponents as well as allies who felt that this was a valuable contribution in making the meaning of art clearer to people. Heidegger states, the work of art â€Å"gives the earth (materials, color, sound, words) the chance to be present as what it really is. As long as the earth is used for something, it is not present as what it truly is. The truth, which the work of art reveals in this way, is a finite truth. It does not consist in a meaning, which lies in the open in an articulated form, but in a meaning, which is fathomless and deep. In its essence it is the strife between world and earth, between rising and sheltering.† (Kockelmans, 1985) However, to understand the statement by Martin Heidegger, â€Å"While truth and art are proper to the essence of reality with equal originality, they must diverge from one another and go counter to one another† (Kockelmans, 1985) one must move deep into the context of art and truth, particularly truth. Truth, according to Friedrich Nietzsche, who influenced Heidegger by a great degree, is presented in a metaphor where he points that â€Å"on the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.† (Lamb, 2004) However, the same truth goes though a mode of transference, when he mentions, â€Å"all things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.† (Lamb, 2004) This brings us to a stage where it becomes hard to interpret the application of truth from the perspective of Nietzsche. According to this parameters truth is an element that can be turned and twisted in accordance to occasion or need. Here he mentions that â€Å"all credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses†. (Lamb, 2004) However, the vital question is who would verify the justification of sense? Who would ascertain whether the interpretation of truth or the application of sense is modulated towards a betterment or general good? Hitler used Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy of truth for his own goal and turned it against the entire world using this philosophy as a tool of justifying his evil means. Therefore, truth is subjective and in words of Nietzsche himself, â€Å"all truth is simple is that not doubly a lie?† (Lamb, 2004) Thus, truth is an embellishment of justification with almost poetic or artistic application that can be turned and twisted to meet the end purpose. It is true that the rhetorical approach of Friedrich Nietzsche hardly leaves any stone unturned in favor of his argument and it is only after a mass killing of the 20th century did we aver realized the flaw of his theory. The anthropomorphism incorporated in his philosophy diverted a mass section of the human population towards a belief of truth that is difficult to practice and fatal when implemented in practical world. However, it can be ascertained to remark that there is no problem for the society to implement the nature of truth in art forms as it depicts a personal view of the truth. In this context it would be relevant to mention that Marx believed that there is little truth in art as it is only a medium that presents an mirror image of the reality whereas there are enough evident that explains art in a different mode. (Lamb, 2004) Marcuse believes that â€Å"the truth of art lies in the power to break the monopoly of established reality†. (Marcuse, 1995) However according to Wilde â€Å"art never expresses anything but itself.† (Lamb, 2004) Under such parameters, the application of truth in art hardly holds any ground. It is a curious notion to mention that Plato wanted all poets and artists to be sent out of the country because they presented as fractured form of truth. The same is true for the practical and present world. It should be remembered that on a practical ground while somewhere on a greater moral plane we are taught that lying is â€Å"wrong,† the fact is that Western Civilization as James Beniger asserts could be reduced to chaos without lies. The present generation believes that there are certain importance of truth but that truth is juxtaposed with the parameters of lies for the term ‘success’ in this world of market driven economy. From the perspective of a present generation, individual truth is as important as lying, no matter how metaphorical or paradoxical it might sound, thus its needs an explanation. Humans develop their ability to lie at a very early age. The average two-year-old is a liar, perhaps not a proficient and accomplished liar yet, but a liar nonetheless.   By the time, a child is a toddler, the innocence of youth is a myth, and the child has learned that lying is a necessary skill for survival in the world. The children who perfect the art of lying just might grow up to become successful politicians. Caught in a forbidden act, a two-year-old will quickly try to don a look of absolute innocence all while denying the alleged wrongdoing. Lying in children this young makes one wonder if lying is part of the human genetic code. The fact is, children probably are taught to lie by their first teachers- their parents. Brian Martin claims that parents carefully teach children how to lie and just as often lie to them (Martin, 2004). In teaching their children to lie, parents are preparing them to deal with the world. Once children set off for school, they must know how to lie effectively to teachers and classmates. Children who do not become good liars will not develop good interpersonal skills, and they will probably not become highly effective people. Every child needs to know how to explain the missing homework assignment and how to get along with playmates. Well-told lies are the most expedient means to these ends. In the adult world, the most successful people are those who are proficient liars. Businesses would cease to function if proprietors always told the truth. Without lies, there would be no politicians and no governments; the world would descend into anarchy. A good politician knows that people do not really want to hear the truth, especially if the truth is unpleasant; therefore, the best politicians always have ready lies that are always delivered with a caring and earnest expression. These are good lies because they reassure the people that all is well, and that is after all, what people want to hear. Lies are the foundation of democracy, and lies set people free. Be it a genetic trait or one acquired through social interactions, lying is a part of the fabric of civilization and socialization. In addition, this stands for each and every society down the ages of human history not just Western Civilization. Great societies are founded on lies, and the most successful people are the most adept liars. Relationships, businesses, and governments depend on lies. In wider sense, it could well be formulated that lying is a positive sign and approach of intelligence at the same time. (Lamb, 2004) It should be mentioned that as an individual on behalf of the present generation and that on a moral ground the importance of truth remains important. It could be ascertained that this truth should be composed and restored as an element of individual justification. This means that one should be justified in terms of truth to oneself. The human dignity is to be taken into consideration in relation to truth. One must always be true, clarified and justified to the personal self. This is the importance of truth and the value of truth and the rest depends on the survival strategies in the modern world. Thus, truth remains in its position while to survive one need the help of the other side of truth and that is lie. However, from the parameters of art it can be stated â€Å"art is an inherent element in the effort on the part of man to come to genuine self-understanding art works reveal to us what and how beings are. Each artwork opens its own world A world opens itself, the earth shelters and closes; both are present in the artwork. Furthermore, the work does not refer to something else as a sign or a symbol does, but it presents itself in its own Being and invites the beholder to dwell and while with it.† (Kockelmans, 1985) As Heidegger explains further: We note, â€Å"In order for truth to come-to-pass in a work of art, conservation is as essential as invention. Since the fact that truth is at work implies the conserver who is â€Å"startled and whiles in the openness that pervades the art work.† (Kockelmans, 1985) Thus, in defense of art as solitary medium it can be stated that nature is created by itself, while art is the creation of nature. Art knows no death and it is imperishable. As said by Longfellow that art is long and time is fleeting. The spices of nature are born only to die after a certain space of existence. Art continues indefinitely. Austin Dobson assessment of art is expressed in his saying that all passes. Art alone enduring stays to us. The bust outlasts the throne, the coin, Tiberius. Art is never demonstrative; it never catches attention with an exhibitionistic appeal. Obviously, a casual observer scarcely finds anything impressive, a thing of beauty, in it. On the other hand, the eye of a connoisseur never misses it. With his penetrating look and absorbing concern, he explores the innate charm of an object of art. According to the celebrated Latin poet Ovid, art lies in concealing art. If art is the magic of holding back time then artists are the magicians who captivate time in colors and canvases. As time passes by several take birth and perish, but some people with their achievements and contributions leave their footprints on the sands of time. These people remain immortal forever in the pages of history. It has been found that â€Å"the imagination is a necessary part of the creative process, and that somewhere between the imagination and the reality principle; the mind can play on an infinite measure of continuum between these binary opposites. Both imagination and rationality are necessary in order that separation from the here and now may occur without a complete severing with the past.† (Windt, 2004) However, in the juxtaposition of truth and art it can be stated that Art could even be considered something as simple as an action someone has done for a cause or for somebody. If someone holds the door for somebody else, it could be his or her art to be generous and courteous. Even acts of crime can be considered forms of art. In many thieving circles, the method of breaking and entering or robbing places is merely called the Art of Theft. Therefore, one can never really limit art to one thing. Rather, it is a wide arrangement of things. In addition, one can never truly crack down and say that something is only artistic if it is of some particular kind of medium, because somebody else will disagree. Art is anything that anyone does which has a profound effect on somebody or something else. From a simple act of kindness to a masterpiece painting which took years out of somebody’s life? Some art can be considered more complex, and some art can be considered simpler in contrast. However, the fact of the matter is, in the eye of the beholder, art could be anything. So is it possible for us to define what art is or can we really set any realistic guidelines as to what is art and what is not? It is always possible to create guidelines, but it is often considered an art form in itself to break said guidelines. What we can do, however, is center ourselves on the aesthetics of art. However, defining what is aesthetic and what is not can be quite an undertaking. Simply put, something that is aesthetically pleasing is something that appeals to the senses. For instance, flowers give a nice aesthetic sense of smell by offering their pleasant odors. A nicely painted picture can give off a nice aesthetic sight for somebody to enjoy. Often it is difficult to create something aesthetically pleasing, as there are many ways to offend peoples senses. For instance, if you wanted to create a painting to give off an aesthetic feeling of hope, you probably would not use an over abundance of dark colors. Dark colors are often used to show calmness or even more commonly, something sad and depressing. In addition, when painting, if you use wider and more circular strokes with a lighter press on your brush, you will give off more depressing tones and colors. Therefore, it would be more advisable to use lighter colors and more agile handling of the brush. Lighter colors often give off a feeling of warmth and happiness, which is something that you would like to be doing if you would like to create something hopeful. However, to create something that gives off a strong aesthetic presence, you usually must feel some sort of emotional attachment to whatever it is you are working on three. One must have a feeling for whatever it is you are working on. Only then will you truly pour out everything from your heart and mind. When you can accomplish this, you can create something with true aesthetic value. If you can describe your emotions in your artwork, it becomes easier for others to understand what you were trying to do, and more often, give them a stronger emotional sense. In a way, this creates a bond between the artist and the observer, allowing true aesthetic value to be created within a work of art. However, this still does not fully aid us in our quest to find out whether we can define what art is. There are some things, which do not stimulate our emotions as much but may still hold a different aesthetic value. Some of the most common examples of these are mathematical charts and scientific writings. Although they do not hold any intrinsic aesthetic values, they still provide a sense of artwork within the mind. Mathematics helps us to develop our logical minds and to expand our ability to memorize details and think things through. However, as odd as it may sound, even mathematics can help to produce powerful works of art. One of the most profound methods of art within mathematics must be the Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio is a number, which is defined simply as width being 1.618 times the height of something 4 or approximately one and a half times the height of something. Although unexplained, you can prove it to yourself by viewing pictures of the Greek structure known as the Parthenon that the Golden Ratio is one of the most beautiful artistic forms in existence. The difference in width by length gives a soothing aura and relaxes the entire body when viewed. One of the other valuable aesthetic forms, which have come from math, is the circle. Although we may never truly define what Pi is, it is known that it is the calculation for a perfect circle. Pi is simple defined as an outer diameter 3.14 times the length of the radius of a circle. Circular shapes have always been known to be very pleasing to the eye, and this could help to explain why Roman structures may not be as pleasing as other circular structures. The Romans, for a time, were on top of the world and had to prove it by being correct in everything. This even meant their own calculation of Pi, which, in Roman times, was known to be 3.45. Interestingly enough, when you view Roman buildings with a bird’s eye view, you can notice that they are slightly ovular. This gives an awkward feel to them and helps to explain why Greek architecture has always been slightly more respected than Roman architecture. Even science has a place in the world of common art. For, without science, we would not have many of the methods of designing art as we do now. Paint, for instance, if not developed without science would not be in existence now. Chemistry and metallurgy have been two of the most significant expansions to the world of contemporary art however. Chemistry has helped to develop various substances, which react to different surfaces, and modern chemistry has helped to evolve this even further. Now we have fluorescent paints, synthetic canvases and neon gases to help create bright signs in the sky. Metallurgy has helped in sculpture design and in the design of many modern tools used in art. Many artists are now using welding as a medium for their artistic expression. The fields of science and art seem to go hand in hand when you think of them in this way. Computers in particular have had a profound effect on the development of aesthetic value in art today. Many artists conglomerate around the Internet to share their works of art and receive critiques from various sources to develop their talent further. In fact, there have been many programs developed which help people to develop art on the computer itself. Flash animation is a popular method of electronic art design, which is a conglomeration of various artistic images placed together in a mobile video sequence. Photo editing has been enhanced by several modern software programs, and you can even create unique three-dimensional images with some modern programs. Graphic design has been greatly enhanced by the advent of the modern computer. So many programs and computer platforms have been specifically tailored for Graphic Design that in recent years the industry has had an explosion in growth. Companies everywhere are constantly seeking artists to design their logos, papers, pamphlets and promotional media. However, with so many developments in the field of art, have we become closer to being able to define art in one true sense? Alternatively, rather, have we learned to adapt and respect all forms of art and their inherent values? What might be considered a masterpiece in the past by everyone may only be considered a masterpiece to a small number of people in this modern day. Rather than classifying art in one major group, we should respect all art for its value and its effect on society as a whole. It is debatable that we will ever be able to identify art in the analytical sense, but we will learn new ways to improve our talents and we will constantly gain more resources to spread our art across all reaches of the universe. It does not really matter whether or not we can define art, because art is just an expression. It is a method for human beings to get out their emotions and share them with the rest of the world. It helps to describe what cannot be spoken. A picture is worth a thousand words, but even those thousand words can yet again produce a thousand additional pictures. In addition, in this method of thought, art has an infinite number of possibilities and an infinite number of ways to influence the lives of others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are no strict guidelines for defining art nor will there ever be. Everything is in the eye of the beholder, but it does not matter. As long as society keeps using art forms and aesthetic values to gain a newfound sense of identity, I think the world will live without being able to define what art is. So do not pursue the field and believe you must define others work, but rather, attempt to find its emotional value and apply it to your own life. Thus, in conclusion, it can be stated that the statement of Martin Heidegger enumerating art is comparatively true and partly wrong. This is because truth cannot be imposed on art in the context of realism but the undefined part of art makes it wrong. This is because if art is not completely defined and if truth is uncertain at many parts, as seen earlier, the relation between the two becomes tentative and vague. Thus, whether art and truth are inseparable or they are in contradiction to each other remains a debatable issue for further arguments in the future. Bibliography: Kockelmans, Joseph J; 1985; Heidegger on Art and Art Works; Springer Lamb, Davis; (2004); Cult to Culture: The Development of Civilization on the Strategic Strata; National Book Trust. 2004 Marcuse, Herbert; 1994; The Aesthetic Dimension; Art and its Significance; Suny Press; Martin, Brian. (2003-2004). â€Å"Telling Lies for a Better World?† Social Anarchism 35: 27-39.   Retrieved on 7 April, 2008 from http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/sts/bmartin/pubs/03sa.html Windt, Gerda van de; (2004); Artistic Imagination: Transforming Sorrow into Beauty Truth and Art; Arts Education – Faculty of Education. Simon Fraser University