Art is constitutive-the artist determines beauty. He does not take it over.” This quote suggests that art is more than mere representation or imitation of reality. Instead, it is a creative and transformative process where the artist actively constructs and defines what is considered beautiful.
The term “constitutive” implies that art is not a passive reflection of pre-existing beauty. Rather, it is a creative act that brings beauty into existence. The artist is not merely copying or reproducing beauty that is already present in the world. Instead, they are creating and defining beauty through their work.
The artist, in this context, is seen as an active creator, a determiner of beauty. They do not simply ‘take over’ or inherit a pre-existing concept of beauty, but instead, they shape and define it through their art. This gives the artist a powerful role as a shaper of aesthetics and culture.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied in various ways. In the context of personal development, it suggests that individuals have the power to define their own standards of beauty and value, instead of passively accepting societal norms. This could mean cultivating a unique personal style, developing individual tastes in music, art, or literature, or finding beauty in unconventional places.
In the broader cultural context, this quote suggests that artists, designers, and creators have a significant influence on societal standards of beauty. Through their work, they can challenge conventional aesthetics and propose new, innovative, and diverse forms of beauty. This is evident in movements like body positivity, which challenge traditional beauty standards, or in the rise of unconventional art forms like street art.
Therefore, the quote emphasizes the active, creative, and transformative power of art and artists. It suggests that beauty is not a fixed or objective quality, but a dynamic and subjective concept that is constantly being shaped and redefined by artists.
