The Illusive Nature Of Art

#absurd-abstractions

2023-10-31

I consider art to be a form of exploration, the emergent result of multiple - sometimes unrelated - concepts carefully linked and interconnected with each other, working together to create something unique. That something (the reason for this vague choice of word will be apparent in the course of this text) as the result is not the combination of it's components but forms a new ontological existence in itself with its intrinsic rules, independent of the external context of the original components. The components from which the something emerged are distilled to abstract aspects, which are either experiential, or how it "feels", conceptual, that present little fragments that create semantic associations, what is colloquially called: the message. Lastly we have the mechanical and technical aspects. The mechanical aspects define the interconnection and interaction of the something's elements as a system, this is particularly relevant for the creation process, knowing which knobs to turn without obscuring the essence of the something. The technical aspects are those concerning how the something is realized or implemented. Which techniques and material have been used -- which in my case are algorithms and technology. This last part is not merely the means with which the something has been fabricated but a substantial part of the nature of the something and is therefore interwoven with the other aspects, influencing the exploration and the final constitution of the something. The something has then only one self-serving purpose. To be experienced: observed, thought about and interacted with. Through it, the spectator or viewer will be presented with something unique that at once exposes to him:her a unique perspective and new perceptual objects, which invite him:her to connect to it emotionally, or explore it intellectually. It creates a reaction. But it is also a reflection. Of the viewer's personal experiences juxtaposed to those of the creator. Sometimes it can even reveal the artist's intentions and process. As such it connects the epistemological nature of the process to an ontological object. In this sense, I have accepted art as a cousin of science, as it builds on and explores a common knowledge on a more intuitive and perceptual level, instead of rational level. Which liberates it from strict discipline and purpose. It becomes an entry in the collection of other artistic somethings and expands the boundaries for the definition of art: 'l'art pur l'art'. This aspect of art has always intrigued me personally the most: How do you define art? But I came to realize, that defining art would defeat arts entire purpose. It is the negative space that expands outside the set of all the things that have already been defined or need a definition. This makes art so frustratingly illusive, yet so essential for our culture to exist and grow.

Takeaway

The next time, you look at a piece of art, or better any cultural product produced by someone, don't think of "why?" or how can this be art. But put yourself in a position where you can just experience it. What does it tell you on an intuitive level, that other things in your experience have not done. Can you see the process behind it, how it was produced? Reflect on your view of things, and try to connect to that someone. Art can be just more than "just" art, but a vehicle for self-reflection and emphathy!