Art has come a long way from its original meaning. It was first known as ars in Latin meaning,”skill, method, technique, conduct, character.”1 from then on it travelled to old France to Middle English to what is now “art”. In dictionaries, it has been defined as,
The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.2 (Oxford)
Tolstoy, on the other hand describes it as one of the means of intercourse between man and man. By this, he means effective communication with the artist to the individual that simulates what it is in real life3. He elaborates; this happens when the artist through his art creates a relationship or a union amongst them. Where a man may use words to communicate, art uses feelings to pass a message through. He continues to say that it does not include pleasure because it can in no way be associated with art4.
This context is devoid of a particular feeling that most human beings associate things with. A human being’s actions will derive two consequences from an action, pleasure or pain5. With this in mind, we cannot deny that art does not produce a feeling of pleasure. Without this then what is the meaning or importance of art be on canvas or on stage? We derive and strive for happiness in everything we do because if not the opposite of it will be pain and suffering. We are wired to avoid or escape pain so which stance is art taking according to Tolstoy? If it does not derive pleasure or even pain, then what level of connection or feeling do we deduce comes from it?
If by using our five senses, sight, sound, touch or smell it does not convey an intangible pleasurable feeling then we can say art will become a stone or brick which exists but cannot in essence provide us with anything. I believe we have to give equal measure to pleasure, because if it instills in us laughter. Therefore, it is funny.
Hegel a recognized philosopher also shared the same sentiments. He describes it as “an expression of spirit’s understanding of itself 6.” He expounds further by quipping that this is expressed by the attributes such as words, wood, color or sound, not by illustration of images based on faith or religion. By this, it gives an opportunity of the freedom of expression to the people. His view of art incorporated freedom which is given sensuous expressions, that to him made up beauty. In essence, art is not prone to mimicry, to imitate our surroundings, but to challenge us to think out of the box and create objects that reveal our own spiritual uniqueness. It should enable us to unlock places that derive the true identity of who we are. It is, therefore, not for not only for art’s purpose, but for beauty, happiness, openness and self-actualization.
However, Hegel was biased as he only considered Greek art as beautiful. This is turning a blind eye towards art as it comes from all walks of life. We should not have only one opinion about art for that will make us unaware of our surroundings.
In conclusion, we should celebrate these two thinkers. Their thoughts and comments on basic things such as art have opened up a discussion that needs a lot of input and evaluations. It is now left to the individual to derive their meaning of art as there is no true definition that can exhaustively cover all areas.
1Tolstoy, Leo. What is art?. New York: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Liberal Arts Press, 1960. Print.
2"There are 2 main definitions of art in English:." art: definition of art in Oxford dictionary (British & World English). N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. <http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/art>.
3Tolstoy, Leo. What is art?. New York: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Liberal Arts Press, 1960. 169-170 Print.
4Tolstoy, Leo. What is art?. New York: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Liberal Arts Press, 1960. 170-171 Print.
5"Utilitarianism." Utilitarianism. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. <http://www.utilitarianism.com/utilitarianism.html>.
6Houlgate, Stephen. "Hegel's Aesthetics." Stanford University. Stanford University, 20 Jan. 2009. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. <http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hegel-aesthetics/#ArtIde>.
Works Cited
Houlgate, Stephen. "Hegel's Aesthetics." Stanford University. Stanford University, 20 Jan. 2009. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. <http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hegel-aesthetics/#ArtIde>.
"Latin Word List » Ars, Artis." Ars, Artis Definition. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. <http://www.latinwordlist.com/latin-words/ars-artis-2002346.htm>.
"There are 2 main definitions of art in English:." art: definition of art in Oxford dictionary (British & World English). N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. <http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/art>.
Tolstoy, Leo. What is art?. New York: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Liberal Arts Press, 1960. Print.
"Utilitarianism." Utilitarianism. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. <http://www.utilitarianism.com/utilitarianism.html>.
1Tolstoy, Leo. What is art?. New York: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Liberal Arts Press, 1960. Print.
3Tolstoy, Leo. What is art?. New York: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Liberal Arts Press, 1960. 169-170 Print.
4Tolstoy, Leo. What is art?. New York: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Liberal Arts Press, 1960. 170-171 Print.
