In this week's first
video, "Aesthetics: Philosophy of the Arts", we learn a little bit
about what aesthetics are. We explore the origin of aesthetics and first formal
documentation, as well as different theories from various philosophers that
have developed through out history. They key concept I took away from this
video was the definition of what aesthetics really stands for and also how it
has evolved. I believe beauty is subjective, so it was interesting to learn
about Plato's confinements of beauty versus a philosopher like Kant who agrees
that there are no rules according to beauty and art.
As I had stated
previously, I really believe Kant's arrival at his aesthetic theory made a huge
impact. At the end of the 18th century
Enlightenment, Kant wrote his 'Critiques of Pure Judgment' in which he put
forth his aesthetic theory. Kant's aesthetic theory is important, because he
created a systematic theory of art and taste. He studied human action and
believed that sensibility and reason are brought together by means of the
imagination. Kant introduced the notion that the judgment of the
beautiful is not based upon rules, but on feelings. Even though feelings are
subjective, they can be shared with others. There can be no guides for
these judgments and therefore no exact science of the beautiful. Kant
appreciated the artist as a creator. He held the notion of the 'genius artist'
that was not a skilled craftsmen, but a sensitive and superior being.
I
believe this video is related to the text readings, because it really shows us
the conceptual and philosophical side associated with art. Sure art objects are
beautiful things to look at, but this helps us to understand the
psychological/emotional experience that these pieces evoke. They help us to
understand what art is. That's also why I enjoyed this film. My work is always
driven from a conceptual and philosophical stand point. I like to really
explore why it is I feel a certain way about something or why I make a certain
design choice. It's almost frustrating at times for me to hear another artist
or designer simply say, "Oh, I just made it because I like it". I
feel like their work might lack meaning or purpose.
In
the second video, "Evolutionary Origins of Art and Aesthetics", we
learn about the neurological aspects of art and aesthetics. We learn how
scientifically we perceive visual arts and other art fields; how our brains
react to visual stimulation. I thought it was interesting in Changeux's lecture
when he talks about the concept of novelty in artwork. He continues to show the
reaction, or activation rather, of surprise within the viewer's brain. The
viewer becomes excited when viewing something unexpected or unanticipated.
Ramachandran discusses that science and humanity are two completely different
worlds, but the one place that they meet is within the human brain. I like how
he stated this and continued to say that the perception of art is a good point
to study this.
The
video relates to the text readings, because it explains artwork to us
scientifically. What physically happens to our brains and bodies when viewing
art, opposed to the theoretical and thematic concepts associated with
art.
The scientific aspect
of art is interesting. This video was something totally different, so for that
I appreciate it. To be honest, I could barely understand Changeux and even upon
replaying, it was difficult to make out what he was saying. On the other hand,
Ramachandran was an excellent speaker and extremely knowledgeable. This film
really added to the depth of my understanding of art and the creation of art.
It seems to me to be a general finding that the creation of art is a human
necessity.
