“All art is quite useless.” – Oscar Wilde.
In a way, I agree with this statement, and I believe it to be an important element of creating and/or consuming art. We’re talking about a multi-billion dollar industry, yet art doesn’t nourishes our bodies, doesn’t heal us when we’re sick (physically.) It does nothing to better the quality of our lives in any tangible way.
But still, art is an important part of who we are as human beings. I don’t believe there is a person on this planet who doesn’t consume art in one way or another: books, music, movies, etc.
This is why art is difficult to define, because even though I do believe that, from a pragmatic point of view, all art is quite useless, at the same time, art is our biggest achievement; it’s what defines us as individuals, as creatures capable of doing more than just eating and sleeping.
Undoubtedly we’d be more than just animals even if we wouldn’t make art, but isn’t it true that we feel most human when we read a wonderful poem or listen to a brilliant song?
I often talk about the human element in art: that part we always leave behind, the part that makes great art. We leave something behind, we always do.
But why?
Because we’re alone.
There are eight billion people in the world right now, most of the living together in huge cities; and it’s been this way for as long as we have existed, but we’ve never acted like a hive of bees. Because we’re unique — and we feel this as the heavy burden of being alone; like being the first one of our kind. And last.
You know there isn’t another one exactly like you, no matter how many billion people there are, you know there will never be, and yet you want to know you’re not alone.
I honestly believe that’s what art is for, and why it’s the most important invention: we make art because we want to know we’re not alone, because only by letting people see inside our heads do we offer them the possibility of feeling like they belong to something much greater than just an individual. Like a single organism. Or an engine. A bunch of parts all working together flawlessly.
I’d like to think about art as being one of those bitter sweet promises … the same as any ideal that united people and made many sacrifice their lives, only this ideal requires that you live in order to enjoy it.
It’s not as great as going to Heaven, or fighting in a war to save your country, or saving another man’s life. It’s not as ambitious as going to the moon and back, or as egotistic as wanting to become the richest man on Earth.
All art is just an illusion, but it’s an illusion we need. Because we’re alone and we want to feel less alone, because we’re mortal, and we want to leave something behind, because we want to change the world and we’re not good enough to change it in any other way than to write a fantastic novel.
Because we want to build something that we can at least hope it will last forever, even if it’s just a lie, a fragile dream.
All art is quite useless. Without it, we wouldn’t die, but we wouldn’t feel quite alive either.
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Fantastic
Great post. I like the last two sentences very much.
Not an idea that is easy to put into words…most of us wouldn't evan try…great job!
I was going to post 'Live without Art'. It should be ready in about an hour. Come and see whether we have the same view.
A good hypothesis. It cold well be right. We ARE each alone and unique. We want to call out, "Here I am! This is Me!"
I've always asked myself what's worse:to be unique or to be like everyone else?
I have a saying … You laugh @ me coz I'm different… But I laugh @ you because you're all the same! Good post.
Yes
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You just summed up the reason I love literature and music so much; beautiful job!
You always evoke life's deep questions rather beautifully. Really nice :)
I have said before how aligned I feel with your opinions on art, and this post cements that feeling. I completely agree with your thesis, and know that while art can seem useless and purposeless, in the end, it does provide us with us sense of belonging, whether it be in the collective consciousnesses that comes from a group of people all liking the same kind of art, or as you so eloquently said, "Because we’re alone and we want to feel less alone, because we’re mortal, and we want to leave something behind, because we want to change the world and we’re not good enough to change it in any other way than to write a fantastic novel." Thanks for the great post Cristian! :O) Jamy
Interesting perspective! Really makes you think! Great read!
Beauty like art is in the eye of the beholder. Great post! :)
Interesting perspective…though, I do have to mention that I am not of this same opinion regarding the utility of art. I suppose, more accurately, I am separated in my view by how it is that we define art in summary.
It appears that you view art as something representative of life. My view is that life is art.
In his Being and Time, Martin Heidegger's uses a German word, Dasein, to describe "that entity which in its Being has this very Being as an issue…" (BT 68). In this way, I interpret Heidegger's philosophy to mean that Life is itself the magna opera.
Beautiful post, and one that rings true. Whose art is that, anyway? Reminds me of Caspar David Friedrich
Indeed, it's Friedrich's "Man and Woman Contemplating the Moon." He's one of my favorite painters.
Hi Cristian,
It may be semantics, perhaps we are saying the same thing, but I feel that art is what defines humanity. It is what makes us civilized. Like you say, or like I think you are saying, I may be alone but through art [any form] I am not lonely. This said, I do not feel art is at all useless. Art extends my world. Although I may critique it, art never criticizes me! lol It in fact gives me a sense of well being and I am sure this attributes to good health and contentment. marilyn
Would you call a mural on a wall civilized, perhaps a piece by H.R. Giger, or a dead sheep installation by Damien Hirst? I'm interested in what defines civilized in the Art world.
Well said. By the way, whether Oscar Wilde said it or Nick Budinski said, what was said isn't really true is it? It's just one unique person's opinion, one which I don't share.
Art is culture.
Well art is part of our culture, but being alone is only hard to take when you do not love the self enough to be with the self for extended periods of time. I am alone but in reality I am always with CHRIST. oh but you may say that is unfair reasoning, but so be it, I have said it, I am not alone even when I am by myself. Now when I create something, I have gotten it from somewhere other than my head, it was given by inspiration and so I am not alone ever, Now the CREATOR DID NOT stop creating over 6000 years ago, he has use mankind to further his creation, and art is just a part of that creation, so to say it is useless, yes and no. You be the judge for yourself. Sorry about the lengthy comment.
Well said. Creating art or watching art being created have been some of the richest moments of my life. It didn't pay my bills, but I lived.
Thanks. That's a very poignant piece and rings true in a lot of ways. It is our vulnerability and our glory- why we feel so passionate about it.
Maybe that's why sometimes we take criticism so personal. We feel that if someone doesn't like our art, they don't like us. Or, at least, that part of us we added in our art — the part we feel most passionate about.
"…because we're mortal and we want to leave something behind…" Absolutely you will be remembered.
It is great post, and it forced me to read it. I agree that art is useless in terms of body and basics needs, I also believe that the best time to appreciate and understand art is when one accomplished material goals. Art is about soul and emotions, during the stage of surviving we hardly will be able to see it's values.
I've heard of studies that indicate a link between art and healing. I think art has great value and might not be as superfluous as some think.
I imagine the answer to this question…which is really…what is the purpose of art…could have multiple answers and also would vary by artist. I like to think that the great artists simply want to show the rest of us something beautiful or meaningful…greats artists are sign posts…guides…and unfortunately, large portions of people never see or discover the gifts.
Reading this lifted my spirits.
I believe the role of the Artist is to 'self harvest'; a painful process. The Artist is usually the one who takes the time to 'listen', to be still. Not all of us have the inclination to do this. But it is necessary. So the job of an Artist is to reflect back to us; to aid our contemplation, to help us discover what lies within. Art is a tool for us to use.
Great post. I am always amazed how you can define and then flesh out a concept which I am barely even able to identify. And do it so beautifully.
In art's defense, I think it can change the world, or at least help to do so. In American history, books like "Uncle Tom's Cabin" or "The Jungle" have very much changed history (although it might be argued that they're more propaganda than art, particularly as neither is very good as literature). The work of the Beatles or Elvis Presley (who although he didn't write the songs, made them his own) have arguably changed the course of cultural history, which bleeds into just about everything else.
And of course, if you take the world's great religious texts to be art, well….
And having said that, I think your piece was very well-expressed.
Loved especially the last sentences. Very powerful. It really sums up perfectly the way I feel about my art – thanks!
I agree with you except for the part about healing. The body heals more quickly when the spirit is well. That's why hospitals encourage restful artwork – to assist physical healing by soothing the soul.
Interesting post and I'm enjoying reading the comments too. To add to the debate I pose the question of why at certain times in History politicians/regime leaders have found certain art to be extremely threatening, enough to want to ban or destroy it? Maybe it's outwardly 'useless' but inwardly it has the power to evoke and express feelings that can change people's hearts and perspectives. Look at writers like Bertolt Brecht or Athol Fugard, using art very intentionally to provoke necessary debate and change. And what of Heinrich Heine's famous quote, "Where they burn books, they will ultimately burn people" Art feeds souls, the one thing that can't be counted or controlled.
"Because we’re unique — and we feel this as the heavy burden of being alone; like being the first one of our kind. And last."
Wow. I love this line.
Well said. I agree with you completely.
We no longer get our names carved on walls in pyramids, so we make music, write stories, and slap paint on canvas, hoping someday someone will ask "who is this?" and by examining out art they can hear us cry "this is me!"
for some,
art is the solitude
that breathes joy
~
some would suffocate
without
I honestly think that Oscar Wilde should've said "All art is useless–to everyone except the creator". Perhaps I'm wrong about that, but after reading your post, I kept coming to that conclusion. It definitely makes for an interesting discussion!
Hi, I agree with your concept about what Wilde should have said. all works of art are a self portrait of the creator, and therefore by creating a work of art i feel it's almost sharing a piece of your soul. ange
Art – for art's sake. Voila!
I agree so much with this post. Even though art (in its various forms) isn't necessary for our survival, we wouldn't feel totally alive without it. Everyone craves some form of art in their lives in order to make sense of the world. It's a way to connect and relate to others and better understand ourselves.
Reblogged this on Humyn and commented:
A very truthful post.
Art is also a way to express inner pains, to let out what troubles our mind! Thank you for this great post.
Reblogged this on DesArtsUK and commented:
Superb blog post!
Hi. A very interesting and sincere piece of writing. definitely resonates. Ange x
This is really beautifully written! And I totally agree with everything u wrote
Lovely; your blogs are always very insightful :)
I read this quote today "Earth would be eh without art: … So true.
I'd like to know the context of Oscar Wilde's quotation. It sounds like a sound byte that needs further explanation. Good post, Cristian. You made me think about why I not only write, but paint, and craft, and sew. There is a definite human need to create, isn't there?
I like what you say, however, I think art is very important and without it the world would be worse off. In a real, tangible way art effects the psychology, politics and trends that our world goes through. Like nothing else art can be a way to critique or even concur established norms or unwanted situations.
It's why so much art is censored in times of political unrest. Theatre is banned, books are burned etc.
Tadeusz Kantor spoke a lot about collective consciousness through art, that it is in art that we can truly be heard and speak as a collective. We're not alone and art is proof of it.
Art is not an illusion and that fantastic novel just might have a hand in overthrowing capitalism (for example).
All value is ultimately subjective. Nothing is 'objectively' useful. There is no physical property of 'utility' that can be derived by any formula, however complex. A thing is worth what people will pay for it.
Art is a drink of cool water to our souls. Like beauty its intangible qualities cannot be described by mere words. There are those who believe the world is only a physical sphere. Some of us believe in transcendence. But as for reasons why, there are a few. According to Adrienne Dengerink Chaplin a philosopher, art is a method of articulating lived experience. It helps us to see nuances of life that we would otherwise overlook in our fast paced global society. It helps us to create meaning. According to Chaplin, art also feeds our imagination, nurturing our capacity for hope. Lastly, she believes art, especially literature and narratives, foster empathy and compassion. All this said, I am not sure if I put much stock in the original Wilde quote. Please don't take any offense. I think your blog post is well thought out and interesting, but I have wrestled with this myself and tend to agree with Chaplin, there are good reasons why we make art. Would I call art useful? I personally don't like that word any more than I like 'useless'.
My gosh, what a beautiful way you have of expressing your thoughts!
My dear one, I have to disagree with you on this. As a psychotherapist, I use art in therapy to help clients deal with issues. There are Art Therapists who specifically cater their sessions around art. It is very good with abuse issues, trauma, and other things. So this is the healing aspect of art. Frida Kahlo used art as a visual journal of her life. Who knows what she would have been like if she did not have this form of expression. It can also be healing to view art when you are depressed or to help deal with a job that is overly stressful. I remember when I worked with social services a supervisor told me that when she had had enough during the day of hearing about brutal stories against children she would walk over to the local poster shop and look at the posters. These images helped remind her of the good in the world.
There are times when I feel unsettled inside if I have not written something. I have the most wondeful feeling, a release of tension when I have gotten a story out of my body. Art is nurturing to one's soul. It is food indirectly. We can't live without it.
I very much agree…especially with the point of wanting to share something intimate of ourselves, so that we feel more connected to those who somehow 'get' what we are attempting to impart. Well said.
lol
Very interesting concept you have explored here.
I just read your post Subhan. I enjoyed both. :)
Awesome post! Beautiful and thought provoking. :)
Great thoughts, and I enjoyed your metaphor that our hope that art will last forever might be a fragile dream. It certainly goes for musicians as well as visual artists. Thanks for sharing.
I love Wilde! Thanks. k.
Lovely analysis. And very true. Thanks for the insight into your world.
First, why are Oscar Wilde quotes popping up everywhere… Second, we make art because we are "alone" yes… BUT maybe we are not actually alone, we all have the most special soul living with us at each moment… ourselves. By making art we connect.. with that special part of us, so then we are not… alone. Make sense? Thats my foofy yogic response for you ;)
Art is useless, but also the most important thing…
Here in Britain apparently a lot of art funding has been cut because of the recession, but art encourages creativity, helps spread new ideas and ways of thinking.
The concept of art is as abstract and contradictory as the best pieces of art are!
Great thought provoking piece! :) But I must say, I agree, art is useless…only because it is not created for a use, per say. What Kant call, purposiveness without purpose. True art is a good in-itself, it is not "work" that is to be "used." So what is true art? True art is that which leads to an experience of beauty. Beauty is what's most important, you see. Beauty makes humans truly whole. Looking at something beautiful draws us out of ourselves and puts us in connection with something more, something perhaps greater than us all. So, in my opinion, art is essential if we want to be truly human because it contain beauty which unifies us. As you say, "Because we’re alone and we want to feel less alone, because we’re mortal, and we want to leave something behind, because we want to change the world." Yet, personally I don't think it's the "heavy burden of loneliness" that leads us to art, instead it's the encounter with existence. We exist, therefore we make art. Lonely or not, art, insofar as it is an experience of beauty, is inherent to the human condition. "A work of art is useless as a flower is useless. A flower blossoms for its own joy." O. Wilde. ( Here's some background to your quote, I don't agree with all of it, but it's a good read http://www.lettersofnote.com/2010/01/art-is-usele… )
Thanks for the piece! Looking forward to more, I'm a bit of an art and philosophy junkie so this keeps me going until I get around to blogging about it myself :)
D.xx
I truly admire your perspective of art
this is brilliant. well said
Christian,
I have literally been up for hours reading through your posts. I am an art student and i relate your thoughts. This is beautiful, really. Keep writing please.
I absolutely love how you put it in words. :)
Great read. I agree with almost everything you said, except, I believe we can measure human progress by viewing artwork through history, capturing an idea or even simply taking a photograph allows us to further our understanding of an idea and translate those thoughts into tangible results that help push our species forward. I often wonder, what's the real illusion?
Quite interesting. I agree that art is partially about wanting to connect with people and not feel alone, but I think it’s also about fantasy, the life we wish we could live. That’s mainly what it’s about. Dreaming about all kinds of things. It’s about connecting with yourself. It’s preparation for real life. Batman doesn’t need art to feel alive because he’s fully applying himself.
To say art is useless, well that’s like saying meetings are useless, everybody knows it but we do it anyway. It’s actually a very useful way to learn and reflect on things. Just because the effects aren’t immediately obvious doesn’t mean it isn’t capable of causing substantial changes and growth in us. If people only did useful things, nothing new would ever be invented. The essence of art is that it is completely subjective. It is for individuals. You might argue that *discussing* art is useless (and the same for religion and sexuality, anything that’s personal).
I can't remember who said it, but it was once famously said that 'art is a lie that makes us realize the truth'. I think that's the best way to put it.