mlp

Philosophy of Art - Third Paper Topics

Due Tuesday, November 26

 

1. Art Interpretation Assignment: Using any of the material we’ve studied in the course so far, or even future readings that look promising if you want to read ahead, try to provide an interpretation of an actual artwork using one or more of the theories and ideas we’ve looked at in the course. The assignment here is wide-open: just try to bring some philosophical material into interesting dialogue with some actual art. The idea is to try to use philosophy to enrich your understanding of a particular work of art, or to use the artwork to raise philosophical problems for some theory or viewpoint we’ve discussed in the class. You’re also free to examine classical or contemporary art by persons more or less well-known. Some pointers:

 

1) Make sure I have a way of seeing the artwork in question for myself. The best way to do this is to pick something local; if you give me a website that is also OK. Or you could give me a copy of a poem or a story, or the CD or book that it’s in, which I can return once the assignment is completed. Just make sure I have a way of knowing what you’re talking about.

 

2) Make sure to clearly state your thesis and to offer definite claims and arguments, as with the first paper. You should hope to do more than tell me how something affects you: you are interpreting an artwork, and should try to defend your interpretation intelligently against someone who might not agree with you but is open to being convinced.

 

3) Since this is an exercise in philosophy as well as in criticism, it will probably be helpful to you to keep conceptual questions (is it art? why? how does it represent its object, convey feeling? what is puzzling about it, and why? does it ask us to change the way we think about or look at things, and how?) firmly in mind when you write your interpretation. Make sure to actually discuss some readings from the class in connection with your interpretation of the artwork.

 

4) It’s OK, if you want, to talk about an artwork created by you or one of your friends.

 

Your paper should be five double-spaced pages in length, with characters no larger than those found in a normal 12-point font. Good luck, have fun, and please don’t hesitate to ask questions about your proposed artwork(s) and/or interpretation!

 

 

basically I’m writing about mlp it’s art because we all love their marsh mellow butt holes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

this is the theory of art I'm using

 

 

        Tolstoy On Art

        Leo Tolstoy has many theories and opinions on the subject of art, its meaning, beauty, and applications in society.  In his book entitled What is art?, Tolstoy outlines his general view of art, and an implied sense of what he believes it should mean. His lifelong philosophical study of art culminates in this theoretical framework.  Tolstoy defines art as being expression at its core. In this paper, I explain Tolstoy’s general view of art as expression, discuss Tolstoy’s theory of artistic quality, and provide reasonable evidence supporting Tolstoy’s theory as the most complete theory regarding art.

In chapter five of his book, Tolstoy gives a couple of different possible definitions of art, and explains why do not adequately define art.  The first is that art is “an activity arising even in the animal kingdom, and springing from sexual desire and the propensity to play (Schiller, Darwin, Spencer), and (1 b) accompanied by a pleasurable excitement of the nervous system (Grant Allen).”( http://archive.org/stream/whatisart00tolsuoft/whatisart00tolsuoft_djvu.txt). He reasons that this does not define art, as the focus is upon physical/chemical changes in the body due to perception, rather upon the work itself.

Tolstoy then analyzes the theory that “art is the external manifestation, by means of lines, colours, movements, sounds, or words, of emotions felt by man (Veron)", referring to it as "the experimental definition.  According to the very latest definition (Sully)” (http://archive.org/stream/whatisart00tolsuoft/whatisart00tolsuoft_djvu.txt).  This Theory most closely resembles Tolstoy’s Theory with the exception of one key factor:  It misses the “expression” part of his theory, upon which Tolstoy  places emphasis.

The Third and final theory Tolstoy examines is the idea that art is "the production of some permanent object, or passing action, which is fitted not only to supply an active enjoyment to the producer, but to convey a pleasurable impression to a number of spectators or listeners, quite apart from any personal advantage to be derived from it" (http://archive.org/stream/whatisart00tolsuoft/whatisart00tolsuoft_djvu.txt).  Tolstoy believes that this does not completely define art, since this theory highlights the joy, happiness, and general pleasures of an audience, but does not take into account other emotions.

Tolstoy is correct in his criticisms of these three theories.  The first theory could only provide the rationale behind pornographic art.  Not all art is about sexual desire or pleasurable excitement, and there is solid backing behind this.  A simple example that could easily shed light upon the absurdity of this theory is Mozart's music.  Most people, including Leo Tolstoy, believe Mozart’s symphonies are in fact art.  The average person would not find Mozart’s music to be sexually pleasing.  Therefore, strictly applying the first theory analyzed, we must conclude that Mozart’s work cannot be art.  Either Mozart is not an artist and his work not art, or this theory is flawed.  I pick the latter of the two.

The second theory is flawed by its failure to account for expression.  We see art all around us, but how do we know its art?  Most people can easily distinguish whether or not a work is art. This depends on the way said piece moves its audience.  If the art does not leave an impression, how can it be identified as art?  Take for example someone who has strong emotions, thoughts, or feelings about a recent event in his or her life, who draws or paints something as a means of expressing their emotions.  If the end result, regardless of that person's own perception of it, is viewed by an audience that cannot attain those same emotions, thoughts, or feelings, then the drawing fails to be art.

In the third theory Tolstoy analyses, the definition of art provided by the theory narrows the field of what is considered “Art.”  This understanding can also be applied to the first theory, since in both circumstances the expression of sadness, anger, or the "dark half" of human emotions are not considered as defining factors when deciding whether or not a piece of work is art.  Take for example Francisco Goya’s Witches Sabbath.  Applying Tolstoy's theory of art, one would consider Goya's work to be art.  Although the emotions this painting brings about are not happy or pleasing, saying that it is not art rules out a large field of works currently considered art by most.  In no way is Witches Sabbath a piece of work that does not express. Therefore, the third theory that Tolstoy considers cannot be valid.

When defining a term as general as art, it is important to have a limited definition, but at the same time, one that can relate to the widest assortment of meanings.  A car can be a Dodge Ram; a car can be a 1992 Toyota Camry, similarly, it is valid to say the Dodge and Toyota can be cars, but a Dodge Ram can in no way magically become a Toyota Camry.  The word car in this example is in no way a perfect example, but helps appreciate why art cannot just be related to sexual pleasure or be limited solely to positive human emotions.  Leo Tolstoy defines art as “the activity of art is based on the fact that a man, receiving through his sense of hearing or sight another man s expression of feeling, is capable of experiencing the emotion which moved the man who expressed it.  To take the simplest example : one man laughs, and another, who hears, becomes merry; or a man weeps, and another, who hears, feels sorrow.  A man is excited or irritated, and another man, seeing him, comes to a similar state of mind. By his movements, or by the sounds of his voice, a man expresses courage and determination, or sadness and calm ness, and this state of mind passes on to others.  A man suffers, expressing his sufferings by groans and spasms, and this suffering transmits itself to other people ; a man expresses his feeling of admiration, devotion, fear, respect, or love to certain objects, persons, or phenomena, and others are infected by the same feelings of admiration, devotion, fear, respect, or love to the same objects, persons, and phenomena.” (http://archive.org/stream/whatisart00tolsuoft/whatisart00tolsuoft_djvu.txt).  This Definition is the best definition because it is able encompasses almost all work of art that we consider “Art” as seen by using an underlying factor that is common in all art.

In addition to Tolstoy’s theory of art, he also has a theory of the quality of art work. This theory is design to better understand art how good or bad an art work is at expressing itself or better, how “infectious” it is. There are three characteristics that distinguish how infectious an art work is. These characteristics are “(1) On the greater or lesser individuality of the feeling

 transmitted ; (2) on the greater or lesser clearness with : which the feeling is transmitted; (3) on the sincerity of the artist, i.e. on the greater or lesser force with which the artist himself feels the emotion he transmits.” (http://archive.org/stream/whatisart00tolsuoft/whatisart00tolsuoft_djvu.txt)

 

The three false theories of art and criticism for why they are wrong are based off of Tolstoy’s theory of art which is summed up in the previous paragraph.  For him, Art is the infection of thought, feeling, and emotions that move from the artist, to the art work, to the audience. Tolstoy says a few other thing about art, like the fact that isn't really what you express, good, or bad, it's more about the connections the art makes. In example, If an artist coveys his anger, in a work, and a person who views it feel anger, then the artist has made a connection with the viewer. If multiple viewers feel this anger, then not only are they connected to the art and the artist, they and connected to each other, and this by Tolstoy is art.

This connection to the audiences by expressing emotions varies in degree, meaning some works of art can be more “infectious” then others. This depends on the three characteristics of art. These characteristics don't just explain how strong the expression is, Tolstoy goes as far as  saying they distinguish real art from “counterfeit art”. The first characteristic is the individuality of the feelings transmitted. What this means is that that no two people are the same, and art work give different feelings to different people. With Tolstoy's example of the crude child's drawing, the way that it appears to you or me will differ from the way it appears to that child's mother.

The second characteristic of art is the clarity of the art work. This is how clear to the point the image is with its expression. An Artist that feels happy may paint people smiling to extend that emotion to the viewers. This expression is clear because, and most people when asked would describe it as a happy scene. Say, for instance, another artist is happy and expresses his or her happiness by painting a chair. This is not clear because a chair would not make most people happy.

The third characteristic of art that Tolstoy thinks is the most important is sincerity of  an artist because is distinguishes real art from counterfeit art. The sincerity of an artist is more of the reasoning behind the art work. If the artist makes piece of work for his own satisfaction, the piece is not sincere and takes away from the art. The relationship with sincerity and counterfeit art can best be described by knowing a little about how Tolstoy felt about the art community. In his time, he felt that the upper class, and more privilege people and artist made art for personal gain and not to express themselves. They were not sincere, and their art work was lying to the general public.

Tolstoy's views of art are not perfect and have faced many criticisms. His views on child's drawing sounds absurd, because almost all children have little artistic capacity. A stick figure of your mom and dad will not be put up in a museum. Another major criticisms is expression itself and how art work is often misunderstood. What this means is that what an artist conveys, or tries to express is his or her artwork can sometimes be distorted, or entirely missing from the general audience. This is massive hole in the expression theory because it literally states that if I don't see your expression, or substitute my own, then the thing we consider “art” is not base of this movement of emotions from the artist, into work, then to viewer. How can we call it art if we don't even understand it.

In the case of the Child's drawing, Tolstoy's would argue that it's the sincerity of the child that makes the drawing art. If this is true, then why don't we see this in an art museum or gallery exhibit? I don't think this is what Tolstoy was trying to get state. To him, art has no bounds, and in mothers eyes, no matter what criticisms, or amount of convincing will not change her mind on how she views her child's art. I think it was important for Tolstoy give this example because he wanted to show the extremes of the theory. If a mother believes; if at least one person is moved by it, should it not be art?

Works of art are often misunderstood. This destroys the artist-audiences connection and makes for a valid argument for the most part, but this not true. Tolstoy's idea of clarity works here. An example of this is seen in the Greek Parthenon. The Greek noticed that horizontal lines seems to sag as seen from a distance. To combat this optical illusion, almost every horizontal line on the Parthenon is curved upward. In addition, the columns are moved inward and into the building. The corner columns are packed closely together making the Parthenon look more sturdy. These subtitles are unnoticed by people, but on a subconscious level, affect how they view the Parthenon. What I mean by this is that in art work, the artist uses small hints their art work to guide you. It is true that people get different things out of art, but I do not think that is the general trend. This again has to do with how clearly the artist makes their art, and the detail they put in to ensure their audience is moved in the direction they are intended to. Then what about the artist that work in the abstract, or draw thing that are misunderstood? There is a loss of clarity in these work, but that doesn't mean it is not art.

        It is important to understand theories are not laws, fact, or common sense, and there is always room for changes. With that said, it important to know Tolstoy's theory is able to defend its self intelligently against criticisms and makes for strong discussion. This theory's ability to defend is why it is safe to say Tolstoy has the most complete of various expression theories. When speaking of expression theory, we can all agree that Tolstoy is correct.

 

 

 

 

Art Interpretation

Rarely do people see movies or television as art. Most people are used to traditional forms of art like the paintings of Picasso, or Mozart's symphonies. In terms of today, art has many medium and with that said, clearly video production should be considered. In this thesis paper, I will give an example of a Televisions production and state, with Tolstoy’s understanding, why I believe it is a valid art work.

If someone is asked if painting is art, this is because most people do not think a photo is art because it can be reproduced by anyone. should not be considered art. In the point of view, movies, and television are not always considered art because they are not something that is made with When asking about art, most people would describe it to you as a something that makes you think, or an expression of an idea of some sort. If asked for an example of a  If art can be produced in many mediums,

My Little Pony is a children's cartoon centered around a little talking pony named Twilight Sparkle. Theses ponies live in the land of Equestia. There are three main kinds of ponies, earth ponies, Pegasi and Unicorns. Earth ponies are essentially farmers with out special abilities that the other kinds have. Pegasi are ponies that have wings and can fly. their job in the show is to move the clouds and weather. The last group are the Unicorns, who have horns and can use magic. Because this, they are considered the noble caste of group. Lastly, the princesses, are the rulers of Equestia. Princess Celestia is in charge of lifting the sun. Luna, the younger sister of Celestia, is tasked with lifting the moon from dawn to dusk. I know what your thinking. How is a children show art?  It may seem seem odd, but let me try to explain a little more before you jump to conclusion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Tolstoy, Art must be relateable. This is point I am trying to convey My little pony to. One  of the most amazing things about MLP is

laurn faust had the ability too put down such varing character, with such diffrent personalities, who relaite soo diffrently and make them into something greater then all their parts. I Think this is amazing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although Twilight is not the only main character, she is the “Everyman” pony. In artistic terms, a piece of work should be able to communicate with its audience . Twilight in that sense, is a lovable character that is easily relateable to the viewer. compared to her friends, she is the most normal and logical inclined. Applejack Is a down to earth country pony who is a hard worker and one of the most honest of the bunch. Fluttershy is a very sheepish, an awkward character, but underneath that lies the most caring ponies.

 

Rainbow dash is an all play and no work pegusus, but is most loyal and supportive character. Rarity appear on the surface to be snooty but in fact extremal generous.

Pinkiepie is a pony that always has a smile and is laughing.

 

athletic tomboy girl that most guys would like to man while she would be willing to help her fireinds through think and thin bragert, hate sharting glory,

 

rd rarity fluttershy

 

 

 

 I believe the producer of the show is one of the best arties in my vision. there are 6 main characters, each with

 

 

its funny and good for the kids

 

 

 

My little pony is a muse for the generation of new content, even though it’s shit content, it’s a great source of inspiration for talented people and the cancer of society, both equally autistic.

It has helped some to endure their sad and meaningless life, and others to make profit out of bad quality merchandise, be that of corporative or independent  production.  

This means that, as art, it has an inherent communicative quality, and conveys messages  of faggotry and consumerism.

 

The spread of it just supports this claim, as art knows no barriers, neither good pornography, which is 90% of the content produced by fans, although their standards are low, and “good” is a label that might come into question.  

 

Just as furries, fans around the world get dressed and attend to meetings to show how much of a cancer they are, and to provoke reactions of discontent and repulsion among common expectators, this again, supports the previous claim that MLP is art, because good art must provoke a deep reaction on the great public, and as the vox populi has stated, bronies, name which the fans go by, are the offspring of satan, they must be annihilated to prevent the decadence the world is suffering right now, which again proves that MLP is art, because it represents a rebellion to what’s established, some might even say it’s a branch of the dada movement