Friday, December 4, 2009
Amanda Pretlow- Art as Imitation
In class, we discussed PLato and Aristotle's views on art. They have divided existence into several different planes. In the simile of the line, there are particulars and universals. Particulars are individual items. Universals are the ultimate images of these items. In class, the example we used was cats. The particular is the specific cat: my cat. The universal is the ultimate "catness." Aristotle and Plato believed that the idea of "catness" was more real than the actual cat. Art would be the imitation of the cat, and therefore the least real item on the line of life. Art is merely an imitation of life. WHile this is true, it is not necessarily less valuable than life. Art does not only imitate life, it complements life. ARt is the expression of the internal nature of humans. It is deliberate and meaningful. Whether or not the art is used for a ritual purpose, it still holds and draws power.I think that Plato and Aristotle should have given art the respect that it deserves. Art is not low on the chain, it is the exemplification of perception.
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