Life and Art As an End In Itself
In the realm of artistic expression and the appreciation of life, there are certain moments and artworks that stand alone as ends in themselves.
Aristotle's concept of Eudaemonia, happiness in a life well lived, is inherently dynamic, emphasizing holistic and continuous flourishing in various aspects of life. It involves the ongoing development of goodness, meaningful relationships, and problems solved by reason. When artists express Eudaemonia in static artworks, they capture and encapsulate a moment or vision of flourishing, offering viewers a glimpse into what Eudaemonia might look like. The artwork becomes a representation of the artist's pursuit of well-being, frozen in time, allowing observers to contemplate and find inspiration in that singular expression of joy and fulfillment, and it is experienced as an end in itself.
Criticism, though a great tool in various areas, is limited when it comes to the content of a painting. I can't speak for other more dynamic forms like literature and music that have a time component. From my artistic perspective, I've discovered that my primary task is to present a special moment as an end in itself, meaning there is no other development. In contrast, if the content of the artwork is criticism, then it suggests that the world and people need to be fixed in some way. So, the artwork as criticism has some didactic message, a lesson to learn, or some activism to undertake—in essence, that view is that art is some vehicle to get to something else—reducing art to some kind of manual or propaganda.
Truth, I believe, finds its place in criticism, science, philosophy, and law. Truth serves as a means to understand, critique, and subsequently act. Though great art contains truths, art is more about showing us what motivates us to live, the "why" of living.
Many artists, I know, view their works as truths about humanity, whether portraying positive or negative aspects. Art as an end in itself has no follow-up action and no morality lesson, rather it is a spiritual orgasm—a profound connection to the universe in an axiomatic manner, an experience that needs no other justification.
Consider moments of love, joy, care, perception, or even pride that stand as special moments we are happy to have experienced as ends in themselves. And sometimes, we wish that they could last forever. Our wish is granted through art.
Well put and an excellent article 🙏