Last Updated on May 30, 2024
Greek Philosophy in Art: a Synthesis of two Minds
Greek philosophy in art emphasized art’s role as a medium for both reflecting societal values and pursuing aesthetic ideals in ancient Greece, a legacy that continues to influence contemporary art practices by underscoring the balance between societal reflection and aesthetic pursuit.
Among the most influential are the ancient Greek philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, whose profound contemplations on the world have left indelible marks on the way we perceive art and creativity. Their differing worldviews offer invaluable insights into art’s essence and purpose, guiding artists toward a more comprehensive practice.
In this article, we will explore how ancient Greek philosophy, namely Plato’s Ideal World and its clash with Aristotle’s concept of Essence holds the key to a holistic view of art.
Plato: The Role of the Artist and the Ideal World
In the heart of Plato’s philosophical teachings lies his allegory of the cave, a potent illustration of the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. As depicted in “The Republic,” imagine a cave where prisoners have been chained their entire lives, unable to turn their heads and seeing only a blank wall. Behind them, a fire casts the shadows of objects onto this wall, and these shadows become their sole reality. They know no other world.
One day, a prisoner is freed. As he ventures outside, he is initially blinded by the sunlight, a symbol for truth and enlightenment. With time, his eyes adjust, revealing to him the vibrant reality outside, far removed from the dim shadows of the cave. This external world represents Plato’s “Realm of Ideals” or “Forms” — an eternal, unchanging domain of perfection and truth. To Plato, what we perceive in our tangible reality is just an imperfect reflection of these eternal Forms.
So, where does art fit into this allegorical landscape? For Plato, art is an imitation of our physical world. But remember, our physical world is already a flawed reflection of the Realm of Ideals. Thus, art, in Plato’s view, becomes a “shadow of a shadow,” making it twice removed from the ultimate truth and potentially misleading.
However, when we align this allegory with the role of artists in society, a fascinating parallel emerges. Artists, akin to the escaped prisoner, often venture beyond familiar realms, seeking deeper, universal truths and challenging prevailing perceptions. Through their work, they present new vistas of understanding, much like the freed prisoner trying to show his peers the reality beyond the cave. Their creations can pull us closer to the Realm of Ideals, pushing us to reflect, question, and appreciate the nuances of our existence.
Artists, in this context, are not just creators but illuminators, guiding society towards greater awareness, and a sense that the world is ever striving towards an ideal. Their work, while based on imitations, can resonate with profound truths, inviting viewers to step out of their proverbial caves and see the world in a new, enlightened light. This interpretation underscores the transformative power of art and the artist’s responsibility in shaping society’s understanding of reality.
Aristotle: Art as a Reflection of the Human Experience
Aristotle, Plato’s illustrious student, parted ways with his mentor on several philosophical fronts, one of the most profound being the concept of ‘essence.’ While Plato looked to the skies, envisioning a Realm of Ideals, Aristotle turned his gaze earthward, focusing on the tangible world around him.
For Aristotle, understanding something meant grasping its ‘essence,’ the intrinsic nature or purpose that makes a thing what it is. It’s not about a separate realm of perfect forms, but about recognizing the core characteristics inherent in things in our observable world.
Consider an oak tree. While it might take different shapes and sizes throughout its life, its ‘essence’ as an oak remains consistent. It’s this essence that artists, according to Aristotle, should strive to capture in their work. Rather than imitating mere appearances, artists must seek to represent the deeper, essential nature of their subjects, revealing truths that might otherwise remain obscured in everyday observation.
For a more thorough analysis of Aristotle’s deep dive into materialism, have a look at Noam Chomsky and his explanation of Aristotle’s Essence of Things.
One parallel I like to draw upon in understanding essential forms is the ancient Chinese aesthetic principle of “Ying” or “Correspondence to the Object.” This ancient concept refers to the artist’s ability to capture the true essence of the subject, to portray its spirit or fundamental nature, rather than focusing solely on its physical, external form.
This Aristotelian perspective places immense responsibility on the artist. They’re not just passive imitators but insightful observers, delving beneath superficial appearances to uncover and express the underlying essence of their subjects. Art becomes a means of philosophical inquiry, a tool for exploring and expressing the deeper truths of our world.
In the realm of art theory, Aristotle’s emphasis on essence encourages a departure from mere representational accuracy. It pushes for a deeper, more intuitive understanding of subjects. An artist doesn’t merely paint a person but seeks to convey the individual’s character, emotions, and spirit. Similarly, a sculptor isn’t just shaping stone but trying to evoke the vitality and essence contained within the form.
Thus, Aristotle repositions artists as profound thinkers, bridging the gap between what’s seen and the deeper truths that lie beneath. Through their work, artists engage in a dialogue with the world around them, seeking to unveil the core essences that define and enrich our shared reality.
Plato vs. Aristotle: The Key Towards a Holistic Understanding of Art
While Plato soared in the realm of ideals, Aristotle planted his feet firmly on the ground. Renowned for his materialist approach, he believed in studying and understanding the tangible world around us. Every tree, animal, or sunset held truths waiting to be uncovered.
Greek philosophy in art often encapsulates the essential differences between Plato and Aristotle, as eloquently represented in Raphael’s iconic fresco, “The School of Athens.” Within this masterpiece, Plato is depicted pointing upwards, symbolizing his belief in abstract ideals and the immutable world of forms that exist beyond the tangible realm.
Aristotle, on the other hand, gestures downwards, emphasizing his conviction in the material world and the empirical observation of the reality that surrounds us. This artistic representation not only captures the philosophical distinctions between the two thinkers but also provides a visual commentary on their contrasting approaches to understanding existence and knowledge.
For Aristotle, art wasn’t merely an imitation of the outer world but a profound representation of inner emotions and the myriad shades of the human experience. His perspective sees the artist as a keen observer, translating the essence of life and nature onto canvas, stage, or manuscript. Unlike Plato, who felt art could deceive, Aristotle believed it could shed light on human nature, helping us navigate the labyrinth of emotions, desires, and experiences that define our existence.
Plato, however, instilled in contemporary artists the drive that there is more to life than merely what we see. For many, this deep itch becomes the reason we repeatedly scratch the surface of art and attempt to express something immaterial. One great example was an exhibition hosted some years ago at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles of contemporary artworks inspired by Plato’s philosophy, addressing “fundamental aspects of human existence: metaphysical, ethical, and political.”
Bridging these two ancient Greek philosophical giants provides a holistic canvas for contemporary artistry. By embracing Plato’s emphasis on aspiring towards ideals and Aristotle’s grounded perception of human experience, artists can cultivate a practice that transcends time and space: work that is rooted in the real world but simultaneously points to the heavens.
Greek philosophy in art can serve as both a mirror reflecting the physical world and a window peering into deeper, universal truths. This dual role allows it to resonate on multiple frequencies, touching hearts and minds, and challenging perceptions. Filled with the purpose of an ancient Greek philosopher whose duty it is to share truth with the world and armed with insights from both Plato and Aristotle, artists can navigate the delicate balance between the tangible and the ethereal, crafting pieces that are both real and ideal.
In sum, Greek philosophy in art and the legacies of Plato and Aristotle offer more than historical musings; they provide a compass, guiding artists through the vast seas of creativity. Their combined wisdom, though seemingly contrasting, converges on the essence of why artists produce and what art is meant to represent, propelling artists towards a practice that is both inspiring and deeply human.
