Art is regarded as a part of culture, but it is important to remember that there are other components as well, such as the education system, social control, political structure, economy, religious belief and so on. Due to the interrelationship of these elements, art cannot be judged in isolation. Art is molded by the social, economic and political milieu.
The shifting vistas of human perspective on life, philosophy and spiritual belief have indelibly left their mark on the canvas of art throughout the ages. The culture is also sculpted by the hands of nature. Furthermore, a pivotal moment in life may etch its essence on the artist’s creation. Without these elements, creation eludes the grasp of writers, musicians and visual artists alike. I believe an artist can never create genuine art in isolation, hidden away in an ivory tower, disconnected from the pulse of life.
Art is the facet of culture that quenches the thirst for beauty in the human heart. However, this notion of beauty is devoid of any absolute standard. If someone claims that the beauty of a form they have created holds an intrinsic value, timeless and unchanging across all cultures and eras, they would be wrong. None can claim a singular form as universally beautiful across all cultures, eras and across all societies.
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Manuscript of Rathin Maitra's Writings on Art
The wellspring of all notions of beauty flows from the depths of the human brain. As we behold or hear natural or artificial forms and sounds, our mind analyses them and organizes them into specific categories within the repository of our memory. Desmond Morris aptly names this intrinsic inclination to classify and arrange things as the “taxophilic urge”. The sense of beauty arises from this taxophilic urge. Hence, within the treasure trove of our experiences, every form and sound is segmented into its own distinct categories.
Whenever we encounter something new, we tend to compare it with our previous experiences related to that specific category. When our mind encounters a new experience and tucks it away into the vast gallery of memories, it determines a set of subtle principles regarding that particular category. From that moment, a standard is formed. Which settles deep within our minds. Then, guided by the preconceived principles etched within our mind holds each work of art against this inner measure, allowing us to judge whether it is beautiful or lacking in beauty.
Again, the concept of beauty in an individual’s mind is influenced by the country, era and society they are part of. Consequently, our perception of beauty is formed by certain established ideals and thus, specific forms are recognized as beautiful.
There is also ethnocentrism, which I learned from society about my own culture in the early stages of my life.
The spontaneous inspiration that comes from the depths of the artist’s heart will guide them on their path.
Rathin Maitra
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