Aesthetics and Art

Based on the videos and article aesthetics examines the nature and beauty of art by experience. The videos identified several philosophers ideas about aesthetics and art over centuries. During the 19th century Leo Tolstoy theory on aesthetics is most important because he believes that art purpose is to communicate. During the 20th century art was known as an expression of emotion and the common definition of art focus was the expression theory of art. Tolstoy believed that any persons experience can be communicated and expressed through art without obvious visual meaning. This philosophers theory is important because art is self-expression and it is different for all individuals, however, artists audience can have common meanings or experiences behind the meaning in any art. 

Changeux scientific view of aesthetics and art primarily focus was on emotions on the processing of art for individuals. His most important fact is "emotions are processed unconsciously before the work of art", meaning art is created based on experiences or internal feelings without individuals being aware or realizing the true meaning of their work beforehand. I agree with this statement because several occasions I have created artwork with a subconscious meaning based on my thoughts gathering ideas for the work, but I always change the true meaning of the art based on images or materials I use after it is completed. Changeux fact about emotions being processed unconsciously explains why I do not realize the meaning behind my artwork until is it finished. Furthermore, Ramachandran scientific view of art was the use of art to please the human brain and the way it processes artwork. His most important fact is that the human brain find representation of art based on images, detail, and color. Our brains typically process different aspects of visual images like creating an image that the brain wants to see that might not be there. Also, grouping for visual images based on colors or patterns in artwork. 

Overall, the videos and article for this module were very intriguing because I did not anticipate learning about philosophers viewpoints on the meaning of art and aesthetics. I was only familiar about Plato and Aristotle's ideas and theories about art and expression prior to the readings. It was different to have a clear explanation about the way our brains process art and to be able to put identifying terms with it. The videos were informing to see how much art has evolved over the past centuries and the way our brain process the work of art.