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Originally Posted by TakuanSoho
To expand the question a tad, the lack of understanding of a religion can affect the understanding of the art in question. For instance, how much of us can really appreciate Hindu art without understanding what the significance of what some of the figures mean? I mean pure aesthetics can only carry one so far. I do know that I began to appreciate Buddhist art a heck of a lot more when I begin to know more about it and all those saint pictures mean more when you know the symbolism involved regarding each saint.
Now of course anyone can learn this outside of accepting the religion.
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very true.
I love the Goddess Kali and every last detail of her represents something. I value her art more and more each time I learn what something on her, about her, or around her symbolizes.
rather its religious art work or not it helps to understand where the inspiration for the work came from. but it might be almost nessacary to have background information with religious and foriegn art works.
we can always value detail in art and the general picture no matter what art it is, but the more we know about the art the more we will like it.
I was reading something in March (women's history month) and when talking about getting in touch with the beauty of women's bodies one thing mentioned was the Hindu Goddesses. if I remember correctly it was a list of 10 different things to look at and I think that one was my top favorite.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suburbanite
A few points. I am making the claim that "we don't know whats out there". Though, specifically, that this knowledge isn't only unattainable, but that it doesn't exist. There isn't truth or essence, these are CONTINGENT elements found within the history of language. I can point to people and places where your ideas originated. You think that the language of someone from the past is going to be sufficient? There is a reason why religion statistically declines in more affluent countries around the world... its not within a modern context. Its not that helpful. No one reads Mark Twain anymore, not like they read chuck palanuik or watch movies.
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religion declines and changes with more information. which affluent nations have. ever notice how there are dozens of religions in rich nations but only a handful in poorer places.
some things written are ageless.
I don't care if you are a theist or atheist, if you think you have it all figured out you have a problem.