Art, Beauty and Truth

During the activity that we did in class late last week, we discussed the relationship between art, beauty and truth.  This activity was enlightening in that it brought together a variety of perspectives, and plotted them on a focused diagram.   The outcome of the activity was a single set of points that encompassed a far greater perspective than any single one of us could create.   This observation raises an interesting point about the meanings of art, beauty and truth: They mean greatly different things to different people.  However, there is a common thread that connects each of these ideas to one another.

Art is simply the manifestation of man’s creativity.   Sculpture, painting, and music are all forms of art.  One of the characteristics of art is that it holds a degree of beauty.   Art evokes an emotional response to each and every one of us.  While this emotional reaction might vary in strength and impact, art in one form or another generates an impact on us.   An interesting observation that can be made depending on our perspectives of the world is that mathematics or other technical achievements can be looked upon as art.  Certain proofs or infrastructure projects can be viewed as being true pieces of art.  This reveals that art holds beauty.   An engineer might look at the Hoover Dam and look at it as a piece of art because of the raw beauty that it holds in their minds. 

Beauty characterizes something that evokes a powerful, positive emotional response.   When referring to an individual, beauty is often thought of coming in two forms: external and internal.  Similarly, a piece of art can be skillfully intricate or impressive and visually beautiful or it could hold a deep symbolic meaning.  In this case, both sides of the spectrum could be characterized as being beautiful.  Our reaction to beauty is somewhat uncontrollable.   

When something reveals the truth, it reveals a fundamental fact from a certain perspective.  Truth can be either a scientific fact or it can be a fact from a certain perspective.   Art and truth hold a closely interweaved perspective:  Art reveals truth.  When an artist shares a certain perspective about death, love or envy, they are revealing a fundamental truth through their perspective.  Similarly, the relationship between beauty and truth is simple: Truth can be beautiful.   When you reveal a certain observation about the universe that otherwise isn’t obvious, it can be construed as beautiful. 

There is a close relationship between art, beauty and truth.  This relationship ultimately reveals that we as humans are constantly looking to explore our universe and our own selves.  By diving further and further into the study of art and our minds, we come to understand who we are.