#what art does

[dragonbornphoenix]

"The only product of art is feelings"

Brian Eno

[annes-room]

What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory by Brian Eno and Bette A. (2024)

⭐ my rating: 4.5/5 stars

This was so fun to read! This is a short exploration on the origin and longevity of art and how we interact with it. It mentioned a few points I was already aware of (like how art induces fictional feelings, and in that sense, is harmless) and raised some new ones I hadn't considered (art fills the spaces where things do not need to be functional). I think the last chapter got away from the main thesis of the book, but the inspirational ending was fitting. I didn't mind that it didn't dig super deep into any one area, it leaves space for readers to make further discoveries and connections on their own. Overall I'd recommend this book to people who want a short philosophical work to spark some new thoughts and ideas 🎨 The illustrations were very enjoyable as well :)

Here are some quotes that I liked!

"Art is a name we give to a certain type of experience. It's the name for a kind of engagement we have with something." page 13

"The art engagement begins where the functional engagement ends." page 15

"The fact that something is generally seen as an art object does not dictate that we will have an art engagement with it. And the fact that something is generally seen as a functional object does not dictate that we can't have an art engagement with it." page 19

"Feelings are known as fuzzy, hard to pin down, impossible to measure and every changing. In a technical culture like Western culture, things you can't count, don't count." page 27

"The feelings generated by art aren't always nice feelings, but they won't hurt you." page 30

"Art can have a tremendous effect on the world — that is why dictators have been so eager to lock artists away or employ them as propagandists. But art is effective because art is safe. [...] You can go away and get back to your life. But you can take with you some memory of the feelings you had and that can change you." page 35

On making small artistic decisions in your life, such as choosing which earrings to wear: "But we can 'read' these little artworks by noticing all the small choices involved. This usually isn't something we do consciously. It's a feeling that were acting upon. It's like finding a fragment of a different world." page 47

"[W]e're less used to the idea that we can navigate our way through life by following the things that truly and deeply please us. Paying attention to the things we love and that make us feel good and happy isn't an indulgence, but a sensible use of our faculties." page 77

Since we are constantly inundated by advertisements and influences trying to tell us what we should like: "Through art, you can investigate the kind of feelings you want to have, and where to get them. Art gives us the chance to answer the question: what is it that I really like?" page 78

"'Human beings don't see what is in front of them they see what is important to them.' Carmody Grey, theologian" page 83

"Certain forms of art get criticised for being escapist. There's an assumption that good art must always be difficult in some way. But what's wrong with escaping? What's wrong with wanting to experience another reality that is better than this one? [...] Art can form a contrast to the world you're in, and you can find yourself thinking: 'What is it about this other world that I like, that isn't in my world?'" page 84

"In whatever we are doing, we have to make it as though we are in that new world. [...] Live the world you want." page 115

Thanks for being here 📚

[boppunkgreg]

[distractivity]

Brian Eno on What Art Does

[nzbookwyrm]

What Art Does: an unfinished theory

Why do we need art?

What Art Does is an invitation to explore this vital question. It is a chance to understand how art is made by all of us. How it creates communities, opens our worlds, and can transform us.

Curious and playful, richly illustrated, full of ideas and life, it is an inspiring call to imagine a different future.

[explaining-art-to-a-dinosau-blog]

Good Art makes you feel. Great Art makes you think.

R. Cullitan

[jen-ashley-blog]

Art is an Emotive Practice.

Art, at it's very core, is about feeling. And not just brushing the surface of your emotions. It's about feeling deeply, and articulating the feeling in such a way that a medium can form and another person can empathize but words do not have to be exchanged. Art can be a symphony or a sculpture. It helps you feel emotion without telling you to feel anything. It is beautiful. It is therapeutic. It is a masterpiece.